AUDIENCE: SOO-WON

[retellers]

Comments

[retellers]

[ goat gives him a distinctly blank look of "i don't know what you're talking about." ]

[recrowns]

[wonderful]

I'd been told that in order to ensure that the removed can be revived, all teams need to accomplish their two kills each by the Thursday after this one.

I was wondering if the Leaders might suddenly know why the situation has shifted.

[retellers]

Um... I don't know anything about this. [ friendly reminder that goat is the useless npc ]

[recrowns]

[welp!

soo-won is just going to give his hand a gentle squeeze then]

Then I'll find an answer and report it back to you - but if you hear anything about it, please tell me as well.

And I had another request.

[retellers]

I'm sorry I can't be of more help... [ ... ] What is it?

[recrowns]

You're already of help.

[easily

and:]

When it becomes your turn to notice the splintering nova... I'd like you to task me with it, over Xie Lian or Usagi.

[retellers]

[ he's quiet for a while. ] If you're certain, and if I do notice, I can do so.

[recrowns]

[he offers a smile, even if he's not sure if it's entirely reassuring. still - he seems calm, and steady.]

Mm. I'm certain.

Xie Lian's role is protective, and he shouldn't be put in jeopardy for the sake of getting a trial right in the name of nova collection.

Usagi might shatter if she is asked to harm another.

So I would like it if you could entrust the duty to me.

[retellers]

I certainly wasn't going to ask it of Usagi, if it came to happen. ... Truthfully, I would prefer to do it myself if I could, but that isn't an option... so, very well.

[recrowns]

.... I know you would. You'd like to keep us all out of trouble, no?

[and he likes goat, so very much - so he does appreciate it]

But if trouble comes to find us... please rely on me.

[retellers]

... I do not like killing--for any reason--but it is even worse to leave it in the hands of others, and ask that they carry that burden instead. But I understand.

[recrowns]

[there's just something gently amused in soo-won's expression because... at this point? he just can't help but wonder - ]

... well, what's one more burden?

At the very least, it will ensure that only one of us in your care has to dirty their hands.

[soo-won can get both kills for the team, it's fine]

[retellers]

Just because you already carry many burdens, Soo-won, does not mean I should freely ask more of you.

[recrowns]

Why? Are you worried?

[somehow he has the nerve to sound gently teasing]

[retellers]

Of co--Wait. [ a beat. ] This is a trap, isn't it?

[recrowns]

[the

laughing is answer enough]

[retellers]

Soo-won! [ NO BULLY ]

[recrowns]

I thought you could use a little taste of your own medicine...

[retellers]

This is very unfair.

[recrowns]

Is it?

What's the difference between this and all the times you've told me not to worry?

[retellers]

[ ................. ]

[recrowns]

[ . . . . he smiles at that, and gives goat's hand a gentle squeeze even as they walk through the forest.]

I'm happy.

That you still care for me enough to worry.

So I will take it as a compliment - because we are friends.

[retellers]

Of course I care for you.

[recrowns]

Then you know as well as I that the two feelings of care and worry are quite linked.

So even if I'm sorry to cause you worry.... It's still nice to hear.

But at the very least.... I can normally handle much worse than this. As long as I can return to my kingdom once we are successful in our aims - then I will rest easy.

[retellers]

... Weren't you the one who told me that it isn't reassuring to hear that one's used to worse?