[Week 7, Tuesday: Tiger and Dragon]

[doublecrows]

[well]

[someone is going Crafter hunting]

Comments

[doublecrows]

. . . I can’t speak for anyone but myself.

But I’ve decided not to go down easily. Even though I’m prepared to die.

[themodsgrimm]

... I suppose I am not surprised.

[Her expression twists into something... torn.]

I am happy that you will not give up... even if I worry it might cause you both more pain in the end.

But more than that, I am unhappy that I cannot properly show my support for you.

[ . . . ]

I have enjoyed meeting you.

[doublecrows]

[hmph. . .]

And it has not been entirely unpleasant to work with you, Dragon-san.

[WHAT KIND OF BACKHANDED. . . okay he’s trying give him credit!1]

[themodsgrimm]

[That actually makes her smile.]

Yes, that is about what I expected.

I'm sorry that I was not able to do more for you.

[doublecrows]

. . . not treating us as pawns for your little conflict with Tiger-san would have been a start.

[okay, slightly bitter, but. he drops it there]

I'm trusting you to do as promised with the ink you collect, Dragon-san.

[themodsgrimm]

[She blinks in confusion.]

I will.

[That, she says confidently.... but then she continues - ]

Did I treat you as a pawn...? [Her brow furrows.]

... I'm sorry, if you ever thought that I found you disposable.

[doublecrows]

[. . .]

[he sighs a little, his bitterness waning, because in the end Dragon is his favorite of the Crafters for a reason]

If I die this weekend, then keep your promise to the others and bring me back. If that happens. . . I'll forgive you.

[themodsgrimm]

[There's the smallest spark of amusement in her eyes as the edge of her mouth quirks up into another smile.

why does this boy make her go through emotion olympics]

I would never dream of leaving you behind in the Other Side, Akechi.

Your story will not end here, as long as I have a choice in it.

[doublecrows]

If I were younger, I might force you to turn that into a pinkie promise. But I've long since outgrown those sorts of childish rituals.

[themodsgrimm]

[what if she wanted to pinkie promise...

Regardless she holds one hand out to him.]

Then might I take your hand for a moment instead?

[doublecrows]

[slow blinks at her, but. holds out his hand obediently!1]

[themodsgrimm]

[thanks akechi

She'll just take his hand between both of hers, holding onto it gently so that he can pull away at any moment if he feels too much like a trapped animal.]

I do not wish to see you perish here.

You have my word, Goro Akechi.