Have you heard of Idrila? I am one who follows them ardently, as a Knight of Beauty. If you ever wish to ask anything of me, I will gladly answer, and do my best to assist.
NOTE
The universe is filled with beauty. No matter where one is in the cosmos, this is a truth ingrained in existence itself. Therefore, I shall treasure every meeting between each and every beautiful soul I cross paths with.
Heehee. Better is definitely what I was hoping for, but I'd much rather hear it honestly from you. So...it really is good to hear that.
[Sayaka smiles at that, and the expression is warm; warmer than she usually lets herself express, at least. But she's long passed the point of caring about appearances.]
I'd like that a lot, actually. There's a lot I want to talk about and...I guess I just want to catch up with you, because I did miss you quite a bit. [Sayaka rubs the back of her head. Such honesty is genuinely so hard for her...] I'm doing alright, though. If anything, I feel...probably the best I have in a very long time. It's...
It's nice to know that you've got friends you can rely on, you know?
[ ...Well, Argenti will not blame her for that; his palace must have certainly been the harrowing place and he gets that from vague impressions and some other things that have managed to stuck around, even if the entire experience has not. ]
Good. I am glad that I have been able to reassure you; though it is also equally wonderful that I am able to voice such things with confidence.
[ He says this with all of the earnest feelings in his heart. But, Argenti sure is noticing a change himself - she's expressing all of the honesty, in a way that seems different somehow. She seems more...open. And he can't think of it as any less than splendid; it is also a bit of a mirror, in a way. He feels like his own heart has opened up as well. ]
...Yes. I understand that completely; perhaps more now than ever. Who I am now at my core has not changed, but I do think that I had not thought in my heart that there were those who I could depend on when it came to such...struggles. But, please, do come in, Lady Maizono.
[He seems so much lighter, now. Lighter than confessing his sins to them all, lighter still than the funeral that Sayaka only barely remembers. She wonders inwardly if it's a curse, but...
What matters most is here, and now, and the fact that Argenti is here to face the future with all of them, and Sayaka will absolutely beam as she comes inside.]
Heehee. That's kind of what all of that was for; we wanted to help you see that. That no matter what happens, we'll be there for you. Always. It's...something I've been having to learn too, if I can be honest. And it's why I didn't want to see you end up going down the same path, though it seems like the path you have gone down has been no less filled with strife...
But, oh, before I forget--please, you can just call me Sayaka.
[The lady part is very sweet and he can keep it if he wants, but she's letting her walls down slow but sure. She's already using his first name without any honorific, so it makes sense to her.]
...I do want to talk to you about...some things I've done. It doesn't feel right that I've gotten to learn a lot about you, and...I've been really closed off with you, and most everyone else. I want to make things fair between us, I think.
[Are you okay with that is an unspoken question, here.]
[ Argenti certainly is and he will put every fiber of his being into it. That said, he seems to blink when she adds what she does after she says those things, which makes a brief but utterly warm expression comes over him. They unintentionally had some unexpected similarities, huh...? ]
...It indeed was, even if it was certainly not something I went around telling others much of; even back in the universe I came from. Still, as you request, I do not mind calling you Sayaka, then. I will be more than happy to.
[ He says gently, but seems to brighten up upon saying it. He doesn't know all that much about the different cultures and when it comes to names, but somehow Argenti feels it is quite significant if she is allowing him to call her with her other name instead.
But he does so happen to blink when she offers that and so he closes the door because this is now a private discussion as he goes to seat himself in one of the other chairs in the room. ]
You do not have to tell me things if you would rather not. Or so I would say, but it seems you wish to indeed inform me of those other matters...to which I will gladly accept. Whatever words you desire to impart, I shall listen with an open mind and kind heart!
[Sayaka's own expression warms; she's missed this. She's missed him, the Argenti that's always been there for her, and the one she wants to support in kind. His pain, his sorrow, the suffering he's endured...and there's still that warm, deep kindness.
Even so, Sayaka smiles gently, and she'll take a seat somewhere if allowed.]
Thank you, Argenti. It means the world to me to hear that. [And she very much means it, too.] But I...I'd like to. I've only been able to tell these sort of things to one other person, and I trust him dearly with them--and I trust you, too. So...I think you deserve to know them. Even if...
...Well, even if they paint me in a bad light. I...didn't talk about it much, but I've done some very bad things, Argenti. They're...something I'm still trying to come to terms with...being made to live with, I guess, and move forward from--they're not something I intend on acting on again, but...
...I've hurt a lot of people, both in my line of work, and...when I got trapped in a school that tried to force us to kill each other.
[It's a lot to start with. She knows this too well. But...she wants to be honest with Argenti, and if it means being subject to his judgement--then so be it.]
[ Argenti will definitely allow her! Chairs or wherever else she wishes to seat herself upon will be appropriate spots.
Regardless, he has a feeling what Sayaka has to tell will not be for the faint of heart - but all the same, he is certain to be ready. It may not be pleasant, yet life is not simply full of all that is beautiful, and what she needs now is another trustworthy person to hear it.
The beginning of it sounds like only the tip of the iceberg, as it is, and his expression turns concerned. ]
...I respect that you desire to approach me with all of this. No matter what happens, I promise to continue to listen to the end.
[ This level of trust...Argenti will treasure it, and he closes his eyes in further thought, before opening them. ]
It already sounds horrid. This...wretched and ugly school of yours.
I understand if you may have done some things there were not exactly right [ Though he is reserving judgment so to speak until he learns everything. ], but already it seems with the school your situation was dire. Did someone or a group of individuals compel you to take whatever wrongful acts those were, given your situation...? And who was this compelling force if so, exactly?
And, you said you hurt many people in your line of work, though what do you mean by that?
...I'll start with the second of those and come back to the others later, if that's okay? It's just...the school might take a bit of explaining first, and what happened there moreso. The second is at least a simpler explanation, but...
[It's not very kind. Sayaka sits rigidly, at least. It's the worse of the two in terms of actions, but...]
The field I work in is very competitive. Us idols, we have to fight constantly to keep our place--to not get replaced. You had to keep working hard every day to make sure that you would still have work for tomorrow, because so many of us girls wanted to become idols. And our managers wanted only the very best. We had to be perfect examples, perfectly pure, and the best singers and dancers possible. We had to appeal to people who would spend money on our stuff and our concerts, to turn the biggest profit possible.
It's led to many girls getting jealous and competitive over each other. The managers didn't care at all, and encouraged it; why wouldn't they? If we just kept taking each other out in our pursuit to be the best and earn the most money for our managers, why not just let us fight? It was only for their benefit.
It...started when a girl I trusted, my managers told me that she'd been spreading rumors about me. Back in those days, I liked to talk to girls from other groups sometimes--sure, they were more successful than me and I couldn't help but be a little jealous, but...I wanted to celebrate them, and their hard work, and understand them more than anything. This girl, she worked incredibly hard too, and she was everything I aspired to be and we even called each other friends--the idea of her spreading rumors about me, trying to ruin my image, it...
It sent me into a panic, because I had worked so hard to get away from the lonely life I had before. And they knew it. They said they had a way to...fix things, but that they needed my cooperation.
...There's a lot of rules for us to follow. No boyfriends, no boy friends--no drinking, or smoking, or anything they deemed illicit. Anything that would make us seem less pure. I spread the rumor that she had a boyfriend and planted cigarettes in her bag, and within the day, she was gone. Within a week, she was completely forgotten about.
After that, it...became easier. To look at the competition and see them scheme, and try to put a stop to it by acting first. I had worked so hard for my position, that I wasn't willing to let anyone take it from me. I wasn't alone, or so I thought. I...ruined the lives of at least fourteen other girls this way.
...Some before, and some after realizing that my managers were behind some of this. Not that it did me any good to try and call them out. But I...I destroyed those girls dreams, to keep mine and grip it as tightly as I could. To never lose sight even for a second.
To never have to go back to a lonely life of neglect ever again.
...But I still ruined them, and they didn't deserve it. None of them did--even the ones who tried to attack first. It was just...the nature of the field--dog eat dog. Idol eat idol.
[ Argenti nods his head to accept this - he doesn't mind in which order they go in. Only that he can have the opportunity to hear her side of everything, so even if she's saying she's done terrible things...he doesn't immediately assume everything as-is without further context.
As Sayaka begins to describe the harrowing nature of her professional, he is already frowning because the idea of having to fight to not be replaced is not exactly great.
Then, of course, the kind of environment it creates, with those in charge doing nothing to stop it - only even encourage such behavior. Which, in Argenti's mind firmly makes them responsible as well.
He wonders about the one she spread rumors about as well - Sayaka's own actions here were still her own. Ones he himself could not condone either - to ruin the lives
...Still, she wanted him to know this, even knowing that it wasn't going to be necessarily nice information to tell. He respects that, and he thinks he understands further the reason why even though she has decided to trust him, she wished to tell him this at all. ]
It does sound like a complicated situation.
But, even so...you are right, they didn't deserve to have their lives ruined. Perhaps there could've been another way, for even the ones who struck back.
Though, I understand all the same it is not a black or white situation.
...Yet, you're doing what some might never, and it would be to take responsibility for your actions.
There are those who recognize what they did was wrong but do not wish to improve themselves. I hardly believe you are the same. Not at all.
[ Otherwise even on top of the other reasons for her coming to him, she would not have begun to speak with him here. And that does make a difference, at least to him. ]
[Sayaka isn't sure what sort of judgement she expects from Argenti, but...his words, they're surprisingly gentle. She listens to them dutifully, not sure what to expect--inwardly expecting rejection, some sort of rejection, because Argenti is such a good man, but...
It's strange, somehow, that there's a part of her that thinks he'll understand too. He also lived in quite the horrible life himself, after all. And isn't assuming the worst of people the entire reason that she got preyed upon by her managers?
Sayaka rubs her eyes a bit, chuckling a touch--his words really are the nicest thing that she's ever heard.]
...I'm trying very hard to, yes. I can't make up for what I've done, but at the very least, I...I can try to make sure it doesn't happen again. Because I don't want to be that person again. I spent so long chasing a dream to become someone who could make people smile, to lift people out of their loneliness just like idols did for me when my dad wouldn't come home at night.
I don't...want to get consumed by that level of want or need again. Or to hurt anyone, in the process of it. I want to do better, even if I don't exactly know the way how to. I want to take responsibility because I don't want people to keep seeing me as flawless. I want people to see me as I am, and if they don't like me after...I can live with it.
[...]
T-Thank you. For...believing in me so much, Argenti.
[ Indeed, Argenti believes his willingness to hear people out is a must - he has done that in all cases before, and there is no way he is going to treat Sayaka any different. Yes, people must take responsibility for their actions - they must own up to them. Anyone looking away from that, trying to act like it didn't result in a consequence, or even worse...
That is far worse.
Though he hasn't heard everything just yet, he can offer a fair judgment, without it sounding far too lenient, but also while it being gently understanding all the same. That it helps Sayaka at all, causes those tears to form, with her laughing a bit even makes him smile softly despite it all. ]
...I think it is also truly admirable that you are trying your best to better yourself.
[ This new Sayaka has decided to truly embrace a new chapter of her life. Even though the consequences of that pain will weigh on her soul for a time, she has spread her wings, and risen from the fallen ashes to reclaim herself.
And that, to him, is amazing in of itself. ]
Yes, I can say for certain that I detect the sincerity in those words, and your heart - that you wish to bring the light of Beauty to people's lives in your own way, as well as be seen as a person that is unequivocally you. That is why I can say that it is no trouble - I shall always have faith and belief in you. You believed in me too, remember? When I felt that there was no way forward for me, when I felt I failed you all, and everything that I was. I know your words are not just substance; I am living proof of it.
And I know how it feels, to want to see people as who I really am. No matter how difficult of a road is ahead of you, my dear friend, I know you shall accomplish all that you dream of.
[ So, of course, she has seen him at his worse, yet accepted him. Argenti doesn't think he could ever fear what darkness she has yet to show him in turn. ]
[Argenti's praise sends a practical flood of emotions through her--that he believes in her so readily and kindly, even knowing all that she's done, and it feels...
Loving. Caring in a way that Sayaka has never experienced before. Argenti has always provided that in his own way, in protecting her and wanting to keep her safe, but to feel it so readily now of all times...
...She really is a lucky girl.]
...I think that's why I became so insistent on saving you, when we were in your palace. Because I knew the weight of making mistakes like that; I knew how it could destroy someone from the inside out, if left to fester. And...nobody deserves that, you know? Especially someone who has always been so willing to see the good in people and fight for it. That's Beauty in it's own right, I think.
[When Sayaka smiles, there's a brightness in it that shines almost like a mirror of him; a mirror of that light, that beautiful, radiant sun that Sayaka admired for so long out of Argenti himself.]
I've really learned that...there's better in life. Better than I could have ever imagined, that I really could only get by severing away from my home and everything there that was chaining me down. I won't forget those things, but...I want to let them serve as my way to help guide others, so they never fall down that path themselves.
...You're very kind to me, Argenti, and I appreciate it. It's...more kindness than I've really ever experienced.
[It'll make the next part easier to explain, at least.]
That's honestly touching. Argenti has wondered why people did come, for some in the literal sense, and for some others it was more distantly - as he feels that they were definitely close enough to arrive for reasons pertaining to their possible attachment to him. Even if he wouldn't exactly consider himself worthy at the time (of which he has more or less mostly pushed aside such feelings by now, and having had time to properly recover.)
But, the fact that he knows that Sayaka's own at all now is nice, even if he doesn't necessarily think no one needed to tell him their reasons at all if they wished not to. The fact that she says there's Beauty in the way he is too? It gets him to smile, warmly. ]
...Your words touch my heart profoundly, Sayaka.
I am not certain if I can state how much so, but I appreciate them nonetheless.
[ After all, Argenti knows...there is a part of him that thought he deserved to let such emotions inside him overwhelm him, because he thought so many things. That he failed so much recently, that his fears could never be overcome as the result of his Path was inevitable due to his failures, that the despair growing in his heart would eclipse him. And finally, that he should have overcame it all alone. But... ]
Still, I am most happy you have found your own way, your desire to grasp your own happiness within your own hands.
And still also shine brightly as your own self, while now reaching out to help others. I only continue to hope you witness more moments of Beauty in your life, to continue along that path.
...Of course, as always, I am glad to shower you such deserved kindness. I am saddened you have yet to have had the opportunity until now, but I am glad to have you experience it now.
[ He is curious as to hear more on that, but Argenti knows he will be listening to it soon enough. ]
[Sayaka can't help but feel glad; it took a lot of work for her to get to this point to begin with, but to be able to share her progress--hell, even drag Argenti himself out of his own darkness, it means the world to Sayaka. To see a man who reached out to her be able to shine so brightly, like a radiant sun again...
It makes her feel happy.]
Don't mention it. I'm only giving back in kind what was given to me, you know?
[The praise makes Sayaka beam a bit, but...she can't get sidetracked. Her expression and resolve tighten again, and she'll begin the second part. The one that she worried about only slightly less, but was still very pivotal.]
...What I'm going to tell you next might...be concerning or a little unbelievable, but I can unfortunately promise you that everything I'm talking about is real. I've...got enough scars and bruises to prove it. But...
I did eventually get a scholarship, to a school known as Hope's Peak Academy. It was an academy that boasted only accepting the best of the best, and everyone who's ever went there has managed to make something incredible out of themselves. The fact that I received one...I took it as the opportunity I sorely needed to get out from under my manager's thumb and do something for myself.
...It turned out to be some kind of trap, though, given that me and fifteen others woke up after passing out in the entry way in different classrooms. We all met up there, confused about everything, before we were called into the gymnasium to greet the so-called headmaster. A robotic bear known as Monokuma.
[Beat.]
I can promise you, it's just as unbelievable as it sounds. The bear basically told us that we were going to be staying here for the rest of our lives, and that the only way out was to "graduate". Which...meant killing another student, to go back into the outside world.
None of us took the initial news well, to say the least. Least so after finding out that Monokuma wasn't nearly as harmless as he looked, after he nearly hurt one of my classmates when he exploded.
[This is...good, so far. Sayaka does start to fidget and worry at her sleeve a bit, though, leaving that in the air.]
[ Unbelievable, huh? Argenti has doubts that he'd find it unbelievable, considering he's experienced all kinds of things...though he will wait and just have to listen. Which, as Sayaka begins, it sounds like it is any other normal school - not that Argenti went to one - and then she mentions what else happened after that.
A sinister trap under the guise of an academic institution...he believes that this is the first he's heard of such a diabolical plot. ]
...How utterly wretched.
[ Argenti means every single word that he says here. How could he not? This kind of despicable behavior can't really be described as anything else except anything that appropriately termed it so. ]
I do not blame you for thinking it may sound so fantastical, but it is believable to me - unfortunate as it is.
I am just sorry you had to experience a situation with such a depraved individual.
This Monokuma...did you know who was behind the bear at all? Or rather, anyone who was aligned with him? And I assume, of course, others did not wish to follow his "alternative" in escaping?
[ Though, Argenti realizes that the opposite could be true... ]
...She's only a little surprised, but she's still so grateful and her tightened posture seems to slacken a bit in relief. It means so much to her to be believed, and Sayaka does her best to keep her composure. She's at least doing better than the time she straight up cried at the relief it brought her, but she does need to take a second to compose herself a bit.]
Unfortunately, I don't. I. Never wound up learning who was behind it, and I don't know about the other students...it's...
[Let's get a move on here.]
We didn't want to cooperate at all, at first, with what the bear wanted. We got a blessed few days to ourselves to explore the school and try to learn more about it, but it became clearer and clearer that we were going to be stuck there. We all made rules and such to minimize the chance of anyone getting the drop on someone, but...
A few days after, Monokuma, he...he introduced what he had hoped to be motivation for us to kill. It was these DVDs, that--they had a video of my group on the stage and knocked out due to Monokuma's influence. I never asked about the others, because...I...
[Her arms close in on herself, starting to shudder something fierce.]
...I started to try and make a plan to get out of there. To...kill someone, and frame it on someone else that I knew there. Who...trusted me.
[This next one's going to be rough. Give her a second, Argenti.]
[ ...It's rather unfortunate that she hadn't. But, Argenti also can't blame her for being unable to uncover that.
The situation must have been quite harrowing enough, after all. Though, it certainly is something he wished could have been resolved with a finality.
But, what's even more hard to swallow is Sayaka's direct confession - of her desire to want to kill someone, even at the urging of that wretched creature. It isn't exactly something he expected, all things considered. ]
...You mean to say you already knew someone had trusted in you.
[ So, her words imply she had a target in mind. Though, looking at her holding herself like that, Argenti waits a moment instead of immediately asking. Then, after that...
...There's only one other question for now, that he thinks to ask: ]
Did you try going through with it?
[ That's another important part of it all, right? One can say that they planned something, but it is another matter entirely in pursuing it. ]
...There was a boy named Naegi-kun who went to the same middle school as me, and we ended up there together. To be honest, it was a little nice to see someone familiar there, but it was...
[...]
He...very clearly idolized me. I don't blame him for it, but he was very fond of me and wanted to keep me safe. And my brain went into that same mode that it went into for ruining lives, when he made his devotion clear to me.
[Sayaka takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.]
I...asked him to swap rooms with me, so that I could frame him for the murder of another student there. Another one who... [...] I didn't like him very much because he kept trying to flirt with me the entire time we were there, and I thought he'd be an easy target because he was so enamored with me. With being a rockstar, because he thought music was just so easy.
[...There's an uncharacteristic sharpness in Sayaka's tone when she says that; she definitely disdained him.]
...Argenti. You remember when I arrived here, right?
[ ...Ah. Argenti does see where this is heading, he thinks.
He had actually even asked. But, he will patiently wait for Sayaka to outline it all first. He's done it so far, and this won't be any different, as far as he's concerned.
Even when she touches upon the fact that she intended to frame this good-hearted (?) boy named Naegi for a murder that she was possibly planning on committing. He can understand why she wouldn't exactly like this other boy, though it doesn't mean murder would be justified.
Still, he pauses for a moment when she does ask her question; he remembers, approaching her concerned, and doing his best to help her the best that he can. ]
Yes, I certainly do. You were...
[ He trails off. Well, the state of her disarray was quite obvious. So, he'll fall silent, to hear her conclude the rest. ]
Bloody. Had a knife on my shirt that alerted me that that was...all real. Every bit of it was.
[There's no joy in Sayaka's tone. Absolutely no enjoyment to be taken in this, or anything else. But a likely very cold reality of what happened.
She takes another breath to steady herself.]
...Kuwata-kun, the boy that I'd intended to kill...he managed to kill me instead. When he arrived, he was too fast for me to try and distract him, and he managed to take a weapon and knock the knife that I was going to try and kill him with out of my hand. I...
I ran into the bathroom, panicking afterward. I thought I'd failed my friends, that I failed everyone that I was trying to help with this--because I was acting so selfish, and the thought of losing everything and going back to the lonely existence I had before signing on made me become fully selfish, and I couldn't return to it. I couldn't, because anything would be better than that. Everything just ran at my mind a mile a minute, and...
Kuwata-kun, he...the door to the bathroom jammed up, and he took a toolkit and dismantled the door to get inside. I don't know why. He must have been trying to check on me or something, but I...
...I attacked him again, and in the ensuing struggle...well...
[Sayaka's hand is shaky, but she points to the area on her stomach where she was stabbed. Certainly fatal, without any sort of intervention.
...But there's something else. She doesn't say it yet, though, just kind of bracing herself. If Argenti is going to bring judgement, then so be it.]
[ In all honesty, listening to this story, Argenti just knows some of his distant comrades would have disapproved. Some are even stringent than he is when it comes to the code of chivalry, and judgment of others. Even if he isn't necessarily close to them, knowing other people's stances on such things - on the topic of Beauty - within the Knights of Beauty itself is information he's kept close.
In fact, she need not even voice the next part of what happened when she points to a part of her next - the indication of where the fatal blow had been struck.
Still, if Sayaka is awaiting judgment...
...She will find herself not wrong that Argenti will pass it, especially when his expression turns to something more steady. Far more strict; potentially even unforgiving. ]
...I understand.
You must have known that in telling myself this that I would never have approved of such actions. Whatever your reasons, you attempted to kill an innocent, and planned to have another innocent person take the blame for your crime.
Worse still is that you did not give up in your plot even in the end. You dared and desired to carry it out, so that you could come out on top.
These acts are deplorable and worth judgment.
[ He doesn't mince words. Argenti doesn't softball these words. Even with her circumstances in mind, he cannot condone the actions that she has taken.
...That being so, his eyes are actually not full of condemnation as he casts his gaze upon her. ]
And so, I have passed judgment on you...or rather, the "you" of the past.
Now, I look at you as the Sayaka Maizono of the present. Your actions in the past shall follow you, be a reminder of where you had been before. But, as you have told me, you will not let it define you.
I may not find what you did right, and all the same, I believe in the Sayaka I have seen up until now. You were at your worst point. Yet, I know you are capable of much more than that, for I have seen you at your best as well.
Whatever else you wish to say, I shall continue to hear it, and listen well. Because no matter what, I will consider you still to be a dear friend of mine, and nothing you say here has changed that in the slightest.
[ And that, Argenti indicates with his own words, is something that will not change. He indicates that though he doesn't approve of her acts, he still has faith in her. That her desire to move on from that are true. An unconditional form of support that is neither so gentle, but nothing so unforgiving, either. ]
[Sayaka is quiet, but her back is rigid and she doesn't flinch for a second from all of this; if anything, she expects that Argenti's judgement won't be kind, but that he'll carry it out duly. If it means losing him for good this time, then so be it. She doesn't want to lie anymore. She doesn't want Argenti to see the perfect face she's tried to keep this entire time.
She wants him to see her, for better or for worse. Perhaps even see why she said all of the insipid things that she did; because she really has been trying to be better than those actions. Because she wants to be, for Fray, for Argenti, for all of the people she cares for here.
And if it's not enough...
...Then she'll accept that judgement too. No matter what form it takes.]
Of course I knew. That's why I'm telling you this, because...you deserve the truth. I don't want you to see me as this...innocent girl, or whatever it is you saw of me before. I've been living that lie my whole life, and I'm tired of it.
For better or for worse...I want you to see me. Even the ugliest parts.
So please judge me duly.
[Sayaka says her piece, at least, and Argenti doesn't pull punches. Sayaka appreciates it because she knows her actions are abhorrent. She knows that she became terrible in that moment, and selfish, oh so selfish. But when Sayaka opens her eyes finally to look at him, determined to face whatever that judgement is, she...
[She's not sure if this is worse than the thought of Argenti severing contact, but the way he speaks with such...there's determination there, judgement yes, but it startles Sayaka that Argenti would believe in her so much now. She's had plenty of time to ruminate on all of this, and Sayaka wants to be a better person, but to hear Argenti's belief in her so purely and kindly. He judges her past actions, but he also believes in the best of her, and that's...
Whatever else you wish to say, I shall continue to hear it, and listen well. Because no matter what, I will consider you still to be a dear friend of mine, and nothing you say here has changed that in the slightest.
...
(roll will: 17)
It's a herculean feat not to start to tear up when she hears him say that, but the relief that floods her does see her eyes misty despite it all, despite the slack jawed shock, the wide eyes, all of it--it's genuinely overwhelming for a moment.
[It comes out deeply sincere, and deeply thankful. Rather choked up as well, admittedly, and it's a struggle for Sayaka to try and board up those emotions and put them at least in a more acceptable place so she doesn't just break down crying on Argenti.
He believes in her. He believes in the her that he sees now, and it's the most beautiful thing in the world.]
...I don't ever want to become that person again. I've spent so long trying to...understand the world here, to try and understand you all, and try to not ever go down that path again. It's been hard. It's...it's all I've really ever known, and I spent such a long time thinking I didn't deserve to be here. I didn't even know where to start on trying to be...not all of that. And you...
[Sayaka is rapidly losing this battle of not crying.]
You've always been so kind. You've held onto a lot of pain in your own right, and I didn't think it was fair. To...be able to enjoy that kindness and friendship, without at least letting you know of what I've done.
...Thank you for being my friend, even after all of this...
[...Give her a bit to try and compose herself, she's rapidly losing this battle--]
[ ...Ah. He hadn't been certain of the result, but...
This is something he had not expected beyond his wildest imagination - maybe it should have been obvious. That it all could have lead to this result. Her reaction being so receptive.
But these words, the emotional behind her voice...this is all indicative of more than just simple relief.
Argenti can tell, with that expression of gratitude, with the way that she looks at him - that this a complete expression of joy, and other complex feelings.
Argenti grants her a little smile in her direction. ]
I could never fail to be kind to you, my dear friend. You speak such words, that make me happy. I am also glad you took the risk in telling me all of this, no matter how you felt. I understand it could not be easy.
All the same, you must understand that your thoughtful words reach my heart in turn. Your praise, your acts of kindness and consideration...I will remember them, always.
And, I have been grateful most of all, for having the chance to meet you. Every bit of consideration I feel is something that you deserve.
[ Then, he will hold out his arms to Sayaka. Giving her the option to come to him for an embrace. He has a feeling she'll need one - and if she doesn't necessarily need it, that maybe she'll want it too.
...It'll also give her a chance to hide her face when the water works inevitably (?) come. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
beautifulknight) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
linknet2024-07-25 09:10 pm
no subject
[Sayaka smiles at that, and the expression is warm; warmer than she usually lets herself express, at least. But she's long passed the point of caring about appearances.]
I'd like that a lot, actually. There's a lot I want to talk about and...I guess I just want to catch up with you, because I did miss you quite a bit. [Sayaka rubs the back of her head. Such honesty is genuinely so hard for her...] I'm doing alright, though. If anything, I feel...probably the best I have in a very long time. It's...
It's nice to know that you've got friends you can rely on, you know?
no subject
Good. I am glad that I have been able to reassure you; though it is also equally wonderful that I am able to voice such things with confidence.
[ He says this with all of the earnest feelings in his heart. But, Argenti sure is noticing a change himself - she's expressing all of the honesty, in a way that seems different somehow. She seems more...open. And he can't think of it as any less than splendid; it is also a bit of a mirror, in a way. He feels like his own heart has opened up as well. ]
...Yes. I understand that completely; perhaps more now than ever. Who I am now at my core has not changed, but I do think that I had not thought in my heart that there were those who I could depend on when it came to such...struggles. But, please, do come in, Lady Maizono.
no subject
What matters most is here, and now, and the fact that Argenti is here to face the future with all of them, and Sayaka will absolutely beam as she comes inside.]
Heehee. That's kind of what all of that was for; we wanted to help you see that. That no matter what happens, we'll be there for you. Always. It's...something I've been having to learn too, if I can be honest. And it's why I didn't want to see you end up going down the same path, though it seems like the path you have gone down has been no less filled with strife...
But, oh, before I forget--please, you can just call me Sayaka.
[The lady part is very sweet and he can keep it if he wants, but she's letting her walls down slow but sure. She's already using his first name without any honorific, so it makes sense to her.]
...I do want to talk to you about...some things I've done. It doesn't feel right that I've gotten to learn a lot about you, and...I've been really closed off with you, and most everyone else. I want to make things fair between us, I think.
[Are you okay with that is an unspoken question, here.]
no subject
...It indeed was, even if it was certainly not something I went around telling others much of; even back in the universe I came from. Still, as you request, I do not mind calling you Sayaka, then. I will be more than happy to.
[ He says gently, but seems to brighten up upon saying it. He doesn't know all that much about the different cultures and when it comes to names, but somehow Argenti feels it is quite significant if she is allowing him to call her with her other name instead.
But he does so happen to blink when she offers that and so he closes the door because this is now a private discussion as he goes to seat himself in one of the other chairs in the room. ]
You do not have to tell me things if you would rather not. Or so I would say, but it seems you wish to indeed inform me of those other matters...to which I will gladly accept. Whatever words you desire to impart, I shall listen with an open mind and kind heart!
[ So yes, he is okay with it. ]
no subject
Even so, Sayaka smiles gently, and she'll take a seat somewhere if allowed.]
Thank you, Argenti. It means the world to me to hear that. [And she very much means it, too.] But I...I'd like to. I've only been able to tell these sort of things to one other person, and I trust him dearly with them--and I trust you, too. So...I think you deserve to know them. Even if...
...Well, even if they paint me in a bad light. I...didn't talk about it much, but I've done some very bad things, Argenti. They're...something I'm still trying to come to terms with...being made to live with, I guess, and move forward from--they're not something I intend on acting on again, but...
...I've hurt a lot of people, both in my line of work, and...when I got trapped in a school that tried to force us to kill each other.
[It's a lot to start with. She knows this too well. But...she wants to be honest with Argenti, and if it means being subject to his judgement--then so be it.]
no subject
Regardless, he has a feeling what Sayaka has to tell will not be for the faint of heart - but all the same, he is certain to be ready. It may not be pleasant, yet life is not simply full of all that is beautiful, and what she needs now is another trustworthy person to hear it.
The beginning of it sounds like only the tip of the iceberg, as it is, and his expression turns concerned. ]
...I respect that you desire to approach me with all of this. No matter what happens, I promise to continue to listen to the end.
[ This level of trust...Argenti will treasure it, and he closes his eyes in further thought, before opening them. ]
It already sounds horrid. This...wretched and ugly school of yours.
I understand if you may have done some things there were not exactly right [ Though he is reserving judgment so to speak until he learns everything. ], but already it seems with the school your situation was dire. Did someone or a group of individuals compel you to take whatever wrongful acts those were, given your situation...? And who was this compelling force if so, exactly?
And, you said you hurt many people in your line of work, though what do you mean by that?
no subject
[It's not very kind. Sayaka sits rigidly, at least. It's the worse of the two in terms of actions, but...]
The field I work in is very competitive. Us idols, we have to fight constantly to keep our place--to not get replaced. You had to keep working hard every day to make sure that you would still have work for tomorrow, because so many of us girls wanted to become idols. And our managers wanted only the very best. We had to be perfect examples, perfectly pure, and the best singers and dancers possible. We had to appeal to people who would spend money on our stuff and our concerts, to turn the biggest profit possible.
It's led to many girls getting jealous and competitive over each other. The managers didn't care at all, and encouraged it; why wouldn't they? If we just kept taking each other out in our pursuit to be the best and earn the most money for our managers, why not just let us fight? It was only for their benefit.
It...started when a girl I trusted, my managers told me that she'd been spreading rumors about me. Back in those days, I liked to talk to girls from other groups sometimes--sure, they were more successful than me and I couldn't help but be a little jealous, but...I wanted to celebrate them, and their hard work, and understand them more than anything. This girl, she worked incredibly hard too, and she was everything I aspired to be and we even called each other friends--the idea of her spreading rumors about me, trying to ruin my image, it...
It sent me into a panic, because I had worked so hard to get away from the lonely life I had before. And they knew it. They said they had a way to...fix things, but that they needed my cooperation.
...There's a lot of rules for us to follow. No boyfriends, no boy friends--no drinking, or smoking, or anything they deemed illicit. Anything that would make us seem less pure. I spread the rumor that she had a boyfriend and planted cigarettes in her bag, and within the day, she was gone. Within a week, she was completely forgotten about.
After that, it...became easier. To look at the competition and see them scheme, and try to put a stop to it by acting first. I had worked so hard for my position, that I wasn't willing to let anyone take it from me. I wasn't alone, or so I thought. I...ruined the lives of at least fourteen other girls this way.
...Some before, and some after realizing that my managers were behind some of this. Not that it did me any good to try and call them out. But I...I destroyed those girls dreams, to keep mine and grip it as tightly as I could. To never lose sight even for a second.
To never have to go back to a lonely life of neglect ever again.
...But I still ruined them, and they didn't deserve it. None of them did--even the ones who tried to attack first. It was just...the nature of the field--dog eat dog. Idol eat idol.
no subject
As Sayaka begins to describe the harrowing nature of her professional, he is already frowning because the idea of having to fight to not be replaced is not exactly great.
Then, of course, the kind of environment it creates, with those in charge doing nothing to stop it - only even encourage such behavior. Which, in Argenti's mind firmly makes them responsible as well.
He wonders about the one she spread rumors about as well - Sayaka's own actions here were still her own. Ones he himself could not condone either - to ruin the lives
...Still, she wanted him to know this, even knowing that it wasn't going to be necessarily nice information to tell. He respects that, and he thinks he understands further the reason why even though she has decided to trust him, she wished to tell him this at all. ]
It does sound like a complicated situation.
But, even so...you are right, they didn't deserve to have their lives ruined. Perhaps there could've been another way, for even the ones who struck back.
Though, I understand all the same it is not a black or white situation.
...Yet, you're doing what some might never, and it would be to take responsibility for your actions.
There are those who recognize what they did was wrong but do not wish to improve themselves. I hardly believe you are the same. Not at all.
[ Otherwise even on top of the other reasons for her coming to him, she would not have begun to speak with him here. And that does make a difference, at least to him. ]
no subject
It's strange, somehow, that there's a part of her that thinks he'll understand too. He also lived in quite the horrible life himself, after all. And isn't assuming the worst of people the entire reason that she got preyed upon by her managers?
Sayaka rubs her eyes a bit, chuckling a touch--his words really are the nicest thing that she's ever heard.]
...I'm trying very hard to, yes. I can't make up for what I've done, but at the very least, I...I can try to make sure it doesn't happen again. Because I don't want to be that person again. I spent so long chasing a dream to become someone who could make people smile, to lift people out of their loneliness just like idols did for me when my dad wouldn't come home at night.
I don't...want to get consumed by that level of want or need again. Or to hurt anyone, in the process of it. I want to do better, even if I don't exactly know the way how to. I want to take responsibility because I don't want people to keep seeing me as flawless. I want people to see me as I am, and if they don't like me after...I can live with it.
[...]
T-Thank you. For...believing in me so much, Argenti.
no subject
That is far worse.
Though he hasn't heard everything just yet, he can offer a fair judgment, without it sounding far too lenient, but also while it being gently understanding all the same. That it helps Sayaka at all, causes those tears to form, with her laughing a bit even makes him smile softly despite it all. ]
...I think it is also truly admirable that you are trying your best to better yourself.
[ This new Sayaka has decided to truly embrace a new chapter of her life. Even though the consequences of that pain will weigh on her soul for a time, she has spread her wings, and risen from the fallen ashes to reclaim herself.
And that, to him, is amazing in of itself. ]
Yes, I can say for certain that I detect the sincerity in those words, and your heart - that you wish to bring the light of Beauty to people's lives in your own way, as well as be seen as a person that is unequivocally you. That is why I can say that it is no trouble - I shall always have faith and belief in you. You believed in me too, remember? When I felt that there was no way forward for me, when I felt I failed you all, and everything that I was. I know your words are not just substance; I am living proof of it.
And I know how it feels, to want to see people as who I really am. No matter how difficult of a road is ahead of you, my dear friend, I know you shall accomplish all that you dream of.
[ So, of course, she has seen him at his worse, yet accepted him. Argenti doesn't think he could ever fear what darkness she has yet to show him in turn. ]
no subject
Loving. Caring in a way that Sayaka has never experienced before. Argenti has always provided that in his own way, in protecting her and wanting to keep her safe, but to feel it so readily now of all times...
...She really is a lucky girl.]
...I think that's why I became so insistent on saving you, when we were in your palace. Because I knew the weight of making mistakes like that; I knew how it could destroy someone from the inside out, if left to fester. And...nobody deserves that, you know? Especially someone who has always been so willing to see the good in people and fight for it. That's Beauty in it's own right, I think.
[When Sayaka smiles, there's a brightness in it that shines almost like a mirror of him; a mirror of that light, that beautiful, radiant sun that Sayaka admired for so long out of Argenti himself.]
I've really learned that...there's better in life. Better than I could have ever imagined, that I really could only get by severing away from my home and everything there that was chaining me down. I won't forget those things, but...I want to let them serve as my way to help guide others, so they never fall down that path themselves.
...You're very kind to me, Argenti, and I appreciate it. It's...more kindness than I've really ever experienced.
[It'll make the next part easier to explain, at least.]
no subject
That's honestly touching. Argenti has wondered why people did come, for some in the literal sense, and for some others it was more distantly - as he feels that they were definitely close enough to arrive for reasons pertaining to their possible attachment to him. Even if he wouldn't exactly consider himself worthy at the time (of which he has more or less mostly pushed aside such feelings by now, and having had time to properly recover.)
But, the fact that he knows that Sayaka's own at all now is nice, even if he doesn't necessarily think no one needed to tell him their reasons at all if they wished not to. The fact that she says there's Beauty in the way he is too? It gets him to smile, warmly. ]
...Your words touch my heart profoundly, Sayaka.
I am not certain if I can state how much so, but I appreciate them nonetheless.
[ After all, Argenti knows...there is a part of him that thought he deserved to let such emotions inside him overwhelm him, because he thought so many things. That he failed so much recently, that his fears could never be overcome as the result of his Path was inevitable due to his failures, that the despair growing in his heart would eclipse him. And finally, that he should have overcame it all alone. But... ]
Still, I am most happy you have found your own way, your desire to grasp your own happiness within your own hands.
And still also shine brightly as your own self, while now reaching out to help others. I only continue to hope you witness more moments of Beauty in your life, to continue along that path.
...Of course, as always, I am glad to shower you such deserved kindness. I am saddened you have yet to have had the opportunity until now, but I am glad to have you experience it now.
[ He is curious as to hear more on that, but Argenti knows he will be listening to it soon enough. ]
no subject
It makes her feel happy.]
Don't mention it. I'm only giving back in kind what was given to me, you know?
[The praise makes Sayaka beam a bit, but...she can't get sidetracked. Her expression and resolve tighten again, and she'll begin the second part. The one that she worried about only slightly less, but was still very pivotal.]
...What I'm going to tell you next might...be concerning or a little unbelievable, but I can unfortunately promise you that everything I'm talking about is real. I've...got enough scars and bruises to prove it. But...
I did eventually get a scholarship, to a school known as Hope's Peak Academy. It was an academy that boasted only accepting the best of the best, and everyone who's ever went there has managed to make something incredible out of themselves. The fact that I received one...I took it as the opportunity I sorely needed to get out from under my manager's thumb and do something for myself.
...It turned out to be some kind of trap, though, given that me and fifteen others woke up after passing out in the entry way in different classrooms. We all met up there, confused about everything, before we were called into the gymnasium to greet the so-called headmaster. A robotic bear known as Monokuma.
[Beat.]
I can promise you, it's just as unbelievable as it sounds. The bear basically told us that we were going to be staying here for the rest of our lives, and that the only way out was to "graduate". Which...meant killing another student, to go back into the outside world.
None of us took the initial news well, to say the least. Least so after finding out that Monokuma wasn't nearly as harmless as he looked, after he nearly hurt one of my classmates when he exploded.
[This is...good, so far. Sayaka does start to fidget and worry at her sleeve a bit, though, leaving that in the air.]
It was...frightening, to put it simply.
no subject
A sinister trap under the guise of an academic institution...he believes that this is the first he's heard of such a diabolical plot. ]
...How utterly wretched.
[ Argenti means every single word that he says here. How could he not? This kind of despicable behavior can't really be described as anything else except anything that appropriately termed it so. ]
I do not blame you for thinking it may sound so fantastical, but it is believable to me - unfortunate as it is.
I am just sorry you had to experience a situation with such a depraved individual.
This Monokuma...did you know who was behind the bear at all? Or rather, anyone who was aligned with him? And I assume, of course, others did not wish to follow his "alternative" in escaping?
[ Though, Argenti realizes that the opposite could be true... ]
no subject
...She's only a little surprised, but she's still so grateful and her tightened posture seems to slacken a bit in relief. It means so much to her to be believed, and Sayaka does her best to keep her composure. She's at least doing better than the time she straight up cried at the relief it brought her, but she does need to take a second to compose herself a bit.]
Unfortunately, I don't. I. Never wound up learning who was behind it, and I don't know about the other students...it's...
[Let's get a move on here.]
We didn't want to cooperate at all, at first, with what the bear wanted. We got a blessed few days to ourselves to explore the school and try to learn more about it, but it became clearer and clearer that we were going to be stuck there. We all made rules and such to minimize the chance of anyone getting the drop on someone, but...
A few days after, Monokuma, he...he introduced what he had hoped to be motivation for us to kill. It was these DVDs, that--they had a video of my group on the stage and knocked out due to Monokuma's influence. I never asked about the others, because...I...
[Her arms close in on herself, starting to shudder something fierce.]
...I started to try and make a plan to get out of there. To...kill someone, and frame it on someone else that I knew there. Who...trusted me.
[This next one's going to be rough. Give her a second, Argenti.]
no subject
The situation must have been quite harrowing enough, after all. Though, it certainly is something he wished could have been resolved with a finality.
But, what's even more hard to swallow is Sayaka's direct confession - of her desire to want to kill someone, even at the urging of that wretched creature. It isn't exactly something he expected, all things considered. ]
...You mean to say you already knew someone had trusted in you.
[ So, her words imply she had a target in mind. Though, looking at her holding herself like that, Argenti waits a moment instead of immediately asking. Then, after that...
...There's only one other question for now, that he thinks to ask: ]
Did you try going through with it?
[ That's another important part of it all, right? One can say that they planned something, but it is another matter entirely in pursuing it. ]
no subject
[...]
He...very clearly idolized me. I don't blame him for it, but he was very fond of me and wanted to keep me safe. And my brain went into that same mode that it went into for ruining lives, when he made his devotion clear to me.
[Sayaka takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.]
I...asked him to swap rooms with me, so that I could frame him for the murder of another student there. Another one who... [...] I didn't like him very much because he kept trying to flirt with me the entire time we were there, and I thought he'd be an easy target because he was so enamored with me. With being a rockstar, because he thought music was just so easy.
[...There's an uncharacteristic sharpness in Sayaka's tone when she says that; she definitely disdained him.]
...Argenti. You remember when I arrived here, right?
no subject
He had actually even asked. But, he will patiently wait for Sayaka to outline it all first. He's done it so far, and this won't be any different, as far as he's concerned.
Even when she touches upon the fact that she intended to frame this good-hearted (?) boy named Naegi for a murder that she was possibly planning on committing. He can understand why she wouldn't exactly like this other boy, though it doesn't mean murder would be justified.
Still, he pauses for a moment when she does ask her question; he remembers, approaching her concerned, and doing his best to help her the best that he can. ]
Yes, I certainly do. You were...
[ He trails off. Well, the state of her disarray was quite obvious. So, he'll fall silent, to hear her conclude the rest. ]
no subject
[There's no joy in Sayaka's tone. Absolutely no enjoyment to be taken in this, or anything else. But a likely very cold reality of what happened.
She takes another breath to steady herself.]
...Kuwata-kun, the boy that I'd intended to kill...he managed to kill me instead. When he arrived, he was too fast for me to try and distract him, and he managed to take a weapon and knock the knife that I was going to try and kill him with out of my hand. I...
I ran into the bathroom, panicking afterward. I thought I'd failed my friends, that I failed everyone that I was trying to help with this--because I was acting so selfish, and the thought of losing everything and going back to the lonely existence I had before signing on made me become fully selfish, and I couldn't return to it. I couldn't, because anything would be better than that. Everything just ran at my mind a mile a minute, and...
Kuwata-kun, he...the door to the bathroom jammed up, and he took a toolkit and dismantled the door to get inside. I don't know why. He must have been trying to check on me or something, but I...
...I attacked him again, and in the ensuing struggle...well...
[Sayaka's hand is shaky, but she points to the area on her stomach where she was stabbed. Certainly fatal, without any sort of intervention.
...But there's something else. She doesn't say it yet, though, just kind of bracing herself. If Argenti is going to bring judgement, then so be it.]
no subject
In fact, she need not even voice the next part of what happened when she points to a part of her next - the indication of where the fatal blow had been struck.
Still, if Sayaka is awaiting judgment...
...She will find herself not wrong that Argenti will pass it, especially when his expression turns to something more steady. Far more strict; potentially even unforgiving. ]
...I understand.
You must have known that in telling myself this that I would never have approved of such actions. Whatever your reasons, you attempted to kill an innocent, and planned to have another innocent person take the blame for your crime.
Worse still is that you did not give up in your plot even in the end. You dared and desired to carry it out, so that you could come out on top.
These acts are deplorable and worth judgment.
[ He doesn't mince words. Argenti doesn't softball these words. Even with her circumstances in mind, he cannot condone the actions that she has taken.
...That being so, his eyes are actually not full of condemnation as he casts his gaze upon her. ]
And so, I have passed judgment on you...or rather, the "you" of the past.
Now, I look at you as the Sayaka Maizono of the present. Your actions in the past shall follow you, be a reminder of where you had been before. But, as you have told me, you will not let it define you.
I may not find what you did right, and all the same, I believe in the Sayaka I have seen up until now. You were at your worst point. Yet, I know you are capable of much more than that, for I have seen you at your best as well.
Whatever else you wish to say, I shall continue to hear it, and listen well. Because no matter what, I will consider you still to be a dear friend of mine, and nothing you say here has changed that in the slightest.
[ And that, Argenti indicates with his own words, is something that will not change. He indicates that though he doesn't approve of her acts, he still has faith in her. That her desire to move on from that are true. An unconditional form of support that is neither so gentle, but nothing so unforgiving, either. ]
1/?
She wants him to see her, for better or for worse. Perhaps even see why she said all of the insipid things that she did; because she really has been trying to be better than those actions. Because she wants to be, for Fray, for Argenti, for all of the people she cares for here.
And if it's not enough...
...Then she'll accept that judgement too. No matter what form it takes.]
2/?
For better or for worse...I want you to see me. Even the ugliest parts.
So please judge me duly.
[Sayaka says her piece, at least, and Argenti doesn't pull punches. Sayaka appreciates it because she knows her actions are abhorrent. She knows that she became terrible in that moment, and selfish, oh so selfish. But when Sayaka opens her eyes finally to look at him, determined to face whatever that judgement is, she...
...She isn't expecting the lack of condemnation.]
3/4?
Whatever else you wish to say, I shall continue to hear it, and listen well. Because no matter what, I will consider you still to be a dear friend of mine, and nothing you say here has changed that in the slightest.
...
(roll will: 17)
It's a herculean feat not to start to tear up when she hears him say that, but the relief that floods her does see her eyes misty despite it all, despite the slack jawed shock, the wide eyes, all of it--it's genuinely overwhelming for a moment.
But she doesn't look away.]
4/4
[It comes out deeply sincere, and deeply thankful. Rather choked up as well, admittedly, and it's a struggle for Sayaka to try and board up those emotions and put them at least in a more acceptable place so she doesn't just break down crying on Argenti.
He believes in her. He believes in the her that he sees now, and it's the most beautiful thing in the world.]
...I don't ever want to become that person again. I've spent so long trying to...understand the world here, to try and understand you all, and try to not ever go down that path again. It's been hard. It's...it's all I've really ever known, and I spent such a long time thinking I didn't deserve to be here. I didn't even know where to start on trying to be...not all of that. And you...
[Sayaka is rapidly losing this battle of not crying.]
You've always been so kind. You've held onto a lot of pain in your own right, and I didn't think it was fair. To...be able to enjoy that kindness and friendship, without at least letting you know of what I've done.
...Thank you for being my friend, even after all of this...
[...Give her a bit to try and compose herself, she's rapidly losing this battle--]
no subject
This is something he had not expected beyond his wildest imagination - maybe it should have been obvious. That it all could have lead to this result. Her reaction being so receptive.
But these words, the emotional behind her voice...this is all indicative of more than just simple relief.
Argenti can tell, with that expression of gratitude, with the way that she looks at him - that this a complete expression of joy, and other complex feelings.
Argenti grants her a little smile in her direction. ]
I could never fail to be kind to you, my dear friend. You speak such words, that make me happy. I am also glad you took the risk in telling me all of this, no matter how you felt. I understand it could not be easy.
All the same, you must understand that your thoughtful words reach my heart in turn. Your praise, your acts of kindness and consideration...I will remember them, always.
And, I have been grateful most of all, for having the chance to meet you. Every bit of consideration I feel is something that you deserve.
[ Then, he will hold out his arms to Sayaka. Giving her the option to come to him for an embrace. He has a feeling she'll need one - and if she doesn't necessarily need it, that maybe she'll want it too.
...It'll also give her a chance to hide her face when the water works inevitably (?) come. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)