homophonic ❆ count d

[bindings]

count d

We're all rather bothersome, aren't we? I apologize.

CODE

Comments

[onlypets]

[She may sit. T-chan puts a paw protectively out over D's lap, but D just strokes T-chan's head between the horns.]

How are you, Miss Shenhe?

[bindings]

Annoyed. Again.

[she closes her eyes.]

And you?

[onlypets]

[MISS SHENHE.]

I am very tired. Is it because of the outcome?

[bindings]

Yes. [...] I am fond of your entire team.

[like including you, d, so she's furious that one of you is going to be erased]

[onlypets]

[He smiles wryly, faintly.]

We are fond of you as well. This is simply the way of this terrible game. It is either you or them.

[bindings]

I know. [she really does. they're all on limited time.] I think that I would rather not participate.

[onlypets]

I would not as well. But I don't believe there is much of a choice in it.

[...]

You do not have to stay tomorrow if you do not want to.

[bindings]

Oh, no. You misunderstand. I will be furious if I'm not the one chosen to deliver the killing blow, tomorrow.

[help]

[onlypets]

[Both of his brows rise.]

Ah. You do have some competition. With his team.

[bindings]

I'm aware.

[she'll still be mad.]

I don't like being taken advantage of.

[onlypets]

[This is so funny. HER ANGER.]

You mean your sympathy...?

[bindings]

[shoulda seen her friday she was worse if u can believe it]

Yes. [a little clipped.] But you're right. None of you are on my team, and so to expect any of you to not use me is foolish.

[a pause.]

It's just the way that it is.

[onlypets]

[mercy]

I know my words seem hollow or unfounded, but I don't believe any of us would take advantage of your sympathy. Whatever personal choice, the game was designed to mock these kinds of thing.

Next week, it may be you. It may be Miss Ylfa, or any other person undeserving. And then you will have to choose: yourself, someone you're least concerned with, or someone you care for who happens to be the strongest. This isn't an excuse. It's just a reminder.

[bindings]

[she watches him for a moment.]

That is what I did this week. You don't need to remind me.

[onlypets]

Mm.

[He nods his head just once in acknowledgement.]

[bindings]

[she's quiet, for a moment.]

What will you do, tomorrow?

[onlypets]

[He frowns into the distance. His fingers idly stroke T-chan's fur.]

Watch punishment come for the one who deserves it, I suppose.

[bindings]

[a sigh, short.]

You are just as irritating as the rest of them. [but there's no heat to it.]

[onlypets]

We're all rather bothersome, aren't we? I apologize. You will have one less of us to deal with after tomorrow at least.

[bindings]

Don't apologize if you're not actually sorry. [if she was the type to roll her eyes she'd absolutely do it]

All this doublespeak and indirectness. Ugh.

[onlypets]

I am.

[He is slightly amused by this, but not surprised.]

I understand. Everything will be very direct tomorrow.

[bindings]

[she folds her arms.]

... What will happen to him? [looking at t-chan...]