pc catchall for senri (usogi)

[requiemed]

[ ]

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week two, wednesday.

[requiemed]

[After speaking with one of the gods a while ago, she spends a while heading around the temple, looking for Senri. When she finds him in the costume hall, she raises a hand in greeting.]

Hey there. You got a minute?

[She’s already betting he’s going to say something cheesy.]

[usogi]

[senri seems to be looking through more coats? the one he wore to west hall initially really wasn't warm enough... and he looks up at the question, and here's the cheesy answer:]

I've got all the time in the world for you, Zo. What's up?

[requiemed]

One of the gods told me to find out who you're aligned with.

[Which might read as a request, if not for the fact that she quickly follows it up with—]

You don't have to tell me or anything. It just felt weird keeping it a secret, and I don't want to feel like I'm supposed to have some ulterior motive for talking to you.

[usogi]

[ . . . oh. um.]

... thanks for letting me know.

Can I ask - which god?

[requiemed]

The one I'm with.

[Which might not be the answer he wanted, but.]

They said they already know what everyone's choice was, since they were all in the room when we picked. So I think it was more... a trust thing for them.

[usogi]

[senri pauses at that and seems like he's torn on giving an answer]

.... if I guess the god, will you tell me if I'm right, Zo?

[requiemed]

[She pauses for a moment, deliberating, before:]

Yeah, I will.

[usogi]

[senri tilts his head]

Did Sincerity tell you to ask?

[requiemed]

[She shakes her head.]

No, it wasn't them.

[usogi]

Really? Haaa, I was so sure... They'd suit you!

[that said....]

... I'd feel bad if I kept asking. So how about we make it a game and I'll try again next week?

[ . . . . ]

I don't want to mislead you, when you told me so openly.

[requiemed]

[She laughs, giving him a small smile.]

I can just tell you, unless you want to guess. If I minded you knowing, I wouldn’t have let you guess.

[But, also:]

Can I guess yours? Only if it’s okay.

[usogi]

[ . . . . and senri looks sheepish.]

... I don't want you to, because I don't want to tell you if you're right or wrong.

Because then if you know, you might need to lie to other people... so I don't want to put you in a position where you have to do that.

I'm... not being as truthful with other people, but I don't want you to get in trouble for me being - [cowardly, scared, paranoid] - stupid.

[requiemed]

...Hey.

[Her voice is soft, concern showing through on her face.]

You know you’re not stupid, right?

[usogi]

[senri laughs a little bit at that]

We'll find out, won't we?

[if his efforts are worth it,]

.... but that's why I don't want to tell you. Not because I don't trust you - but I think only one of us needs to be a liar. I don't want to do that to you.

[requiemed]

[There are a few things that come to mind as a response, but in the end, she just sighs.]

Okay...

[She sounds a little frustrated, but it's clear enough that frustration is rooted in worry, judging from the look on her face.]

Why did you feel like you had to lie to anyone?

[usogi]

... I'm trying to help someone.

[and senri huffs a little laugh at that]

I don't want anything bad to happen to them, and I'm afraid that's what'll happen - so this is my way of trying to make sure they'll be okay. I don't know if it's going to work, but it's all I can think to do right now.

[requiemed]

Okay, but - if people find out, is anything bad going to happen to you?

[usogi]

[senri laughs - a little nervously, but]

... they'll probably be pretty mad, but fingers crossed it doesn't come to that.

[requiemed]

The person you're trying to protect, or the god you're pretending to be with?

[Or, you know, both.]

[usogi]

Just... the people that I'm not being honest with, probably.

[he siiiiighs and shakes his head, putting a smile on his face instead]

Don't worry about me so much, Zo. I'll be alright one way or another.

[requiemed]

You've been worrying about everyone else, right? Someone has to do the same for you.

[this is disgusting and i hate it]

[usogi]

[senri pauses and the surprise is clear on his face.

something uncomfortable twists in his chest and for once, it takes him a second to find the words he wants]

.... it's okay.

You don't - have to....

[requiemed]

I know I don’t have to, but you’re my friend.

[And for her, it’s just that simple.]

Besides... Everyone matters enough to have someone looking out for them.

[usogi]

[ . . . . right. that's what friends do. senri pauses for another second before his expression warms into a smile. something touched and sincere.]

... You're right.

I promise I'll keep trying to look out for you too.

[requiemed]

[The smile is returned, as is the sincerity.]

Does that mean you aren't going to get weird about it again?