Perhaps they were told by the voice of the residuals? [ the 'pink' voice. ] Or perhaps they asked the directors about it earlier than any of us did. Either way, it wouldn't surprise me if someone felt cornered to kill. Though in that case, you would think they would be easier to catch.
[ that's on them for screwing up the investigation, but the powers revealed didn't make it any easier. it was all very messy and he's aggravated too, though he tries to breath out all that helpless irritation in a sigh. ]
...It's frustrating, but we are further along and better informed than we were last week. Progress is progress. We cannot lose sight of what we've achieved, even in the face of failure.
[ it's not step one, even if it feels that way. they're sharing information now, aren't they? if they keep doing this, keep fighting... they'll get somewhere. one foot in front of the other. ]
[ . . . . well, she can admit that much. she sighs and pats his arm in a gesture that she hopes is consoling, then stepping just one bit closer so she can bump into him briefly. teasingly.]
You sound like you're doing better. Good. I'll need you moving forward, so you can't break on me - but you ought to rely on me too.
[compared to all the doom and gloom on friday, and how he seemed to barely be able to hold it together after the first trial - this is an improvement. she's glad to hear it.]
We still need to catch them to get confirmation, I think. Depending on their reasoning and if we can trust them, then that'll influence what we do afterward. I don't want to whittle down our numbers for no reason...
But I also don't want anyone else to possibly be in danger because we didn't catch a killer.
[ he blinks, surprised, unused to this sort of easy contact. offering an arm to a lady or a waltz was structured and courtly, whereas this was more—friendly? he tentatively meets her hand with his before drawing away again.
relying on her and the others... it's a nice thought. ]
I hope I can be someone you can count on.
[ he's more focused now, at least. he looks ahead, expression more severe than before. ]
Whatever the motive, they still killed someone and led to the death of another. They'll have to be prepared to take on the consequences of their actions.
[ ...he huffs, annoyed. ]
Not that I have the faintest clue who did it. Still, I don't intend to let them go free.
... the framing Ogata theory worked best with someone from the island - but it's still a bit flimsy, now that we know that the bear wasn't purposefully involved. It's a possibility, but definitely not enough to truly accuse anyone. Still, it's easiest to consider that it might be someone whose curfew effect wouldn't have been easy to fake - as that might be the best lead we have at the moment.
[they narrowed choices down a bit but... lili still didn't like it. she sighs as they walk through the portal and into the village - and she'll lead dimitri to the path that's headed for the ocean, because at the end of the day she still loves the beach.]
But don't think I didn't notice - you need to rely on me too! Am I not honest enough for you even now? I already said that I trust you, don't make me repeat it a hundred times.
Someone from the island with an effect... that could be me, Giyuu, or Shinobu. [ While Flayn's injury made her an extremely unlikely candidate, and he doesn't bring her up regardless.
It's a thin lead, but he's not offended if anyone is suspicious of him, especially since he could have been faking his experience. Even he looks a bit lost in thought at the consideration before Lili speaks up; is she scolding him? Ah. ]
I'm sorry, I don't mean to seem skeptical of you. I know we all need to rely on one another to get through this.
[ It's a somewhat political response... but his tone dips a bit as the ocean draws up beside them, more open and personal. ]
I guess that... until recently, I haven't had many people to share my burdens with. The castle was mostly strangers to me, besides my retainer. And there are so many responsibilities I must take on myself.
[ A king is meant to ease hardships, not dispense them. He smiles a little though, almost embarrassed. ]
I'm still getting used to depending on you all, I suppose. But... I don't dislike doing so.
... I don't think it's you or Giyuu - there's also the chance that it could've been the robot since he was in the cabin with Escha. Shinobu's might've been a bit easier to fake though. Flayn had the same but... I think her injury would've opened. Anaido had an effect that couldn't have been faked with that stench. Yin Yu's been cleared for his as well.
[lili won't take prisoners about that though - everyone has to be considered fairly. though when he speaks a bit more openly with her, she blinks in surprise at first before frowning a bit.]
... it's not that I don't get that either. [THEY CONTINUE TO VIBE] I only had my attendants - and I thought everyone else was just useless and getting in my way. But it made it so that when someone dear to me was suffering, I wasn't aware at all...
So you better get used to this! I don't want you to keep holding onto things on your own...
[not when she's more self-aware now, and she doesn't want to be left in the dark anymore.]
I'm right here - and we're working together now. So that ought to count for something.
[ they just don't have enough leads as-is to narrow it down, even if they were to assume it was someone from the island. so he just leaves the possibilities open—they'll need to be careful, but there's no point jumping to any conclusions.
he's distracted by the rest of what she's saying, anyway. their circumstances aren't always exactly the same, but it's easy to empathize with her—there's hardly anyone he can talk to about these things, and even fewer who could really, genuinely understand the mantle of nobility.
and more than that, having someone who treats him as an equal is—different. the ocean fills in the quiet space of their conversation, the waves beating against the shore and casting foam near their feet. ]
...Thank you, Lili.
[ it's quiet above the water, but he sounds genuinely moved, voice soft and warm in a way that reaches his eyes. he ducks his head for a moment, apparently at a loss before he manages an unassuming smile, coughing up a quiet puff of laughter around some unexpected lump of emotion in his throat. ]
Sorry, I'm not very good at expressing myself, but... that does mean a lot to me. Especially from someone like you. I don't remember the last time anyone in your position has treated me like— [ a friend? ] a peer.
[the silence eats at her a bit - and she pays more mind to the crashing of waves, the reflection of the sun against the water, and familiar sensation of breathing in ocean air to try to calm her, and reassure her that she didn't say anything foolish. because lili on a warpath is something to behold - confident, vicious, and uncompromising in the name of what she knows is right.
. . . lili as a person, as someone trying to understand the others around her is - completely unclear on what's fine and what isn't. and perhaps most days she doesn't care, because she decided a while ago that she didn't care what people thought of her.
it surprises her in this moment that she thinks she cares, a little, what dimitri thinks. how he feels. not just as an ally, but maybe—]
.... I don't know what 'someone like me' means... [someone clumsy? frustrating?] But if anyone else bothers you, I'm going to beat them up! It's not like I get along with a lot of people in general, but if it's - someone like you...
[to borrow the same phrase that he did, because actually describing him is awkward]
I want to be allies - and I want to work together, and I want you to trust me the same way that I trust you and... [be casual, be cool] If you want to be f... f...
[ it's really not necessary for her to attack anyone who's mean to him—he gives her a slightly amused look at the suggestion, as though he could not defend himself from oh-so-mean bullies—but he thinks he understands her intent.
even when it can be so hard to read people when they fluster and divert their feelings, he listens patiently through her words. they're allies, of course. and he would gladly work with her. more than anything he wants to trust. to be trusted.
that last bit, though...
the waves add noise and her voice is so tiny. did she say...? he's not even trying to tease her when he leans in close, bright-eyed and curious, ]
(it's an odd thing for her. for someone who was betrayed in her last setting constantly by people who would so willingly try to call themselves her friend. they played with her trust, and ended up being people whose values didn't align with hers. it was difficult. what was the point of having friends if you couldn't stand together?
dimitri's different, right?)
it's an odd thing, for her desire to get to know someone to outweigh her own fear - but maybe it's a step in the right direction. to stop being afraid of this too.]
[ her embarrassment sets off a chain reaction, his ears turning pink because—what is happening? what?
it's not a big deal, but it feels like one. ]
You... want to be friends with me?
[ he sounds surprised, uncertain—had anyone ever asked him to be friends? he couldn't even convince dedue to call him by name. most friendships were a far-flung thing of his memories, childlike and gauzy. on the island, they were bloody. maybe even before that, they were bloody.
could he make friends, here? they've stopped walking, and he stumbles over a word soundlessly for a moment before he collects himself.
was she scared he'd say no? ah, he understands that too. he needs to respond quickly; he doesn't need to try and sound reassuring, a genuine fondness in his voice anyway. he likes lili—in this moment, he realizes how much he's wanted to be friends with her since they met. ]
[why are they both embarrassed, this is so stupid.
but it destroys her a little, how her heart is hammering in her ribcage and he answers her quickly - but for some reason that ruins her just that bit more. he wants to? he actually wants to be her friend? more than just allies?
her only friend in this place was tsurumaru - and he's gone, but he's still dear to her. yet she never expected that there would be others, people who genuinely want to get to know her. to get along with her. it's so strange but it's -
it's not bad.]
Y-You would...?
[she feels like she has to meet his eyes - though it takes effort, to even glance back up at him, shy as she's suddenly feeling.]
... then... we're... friends...
So you have to start sharing your burdens with me! Even if I don't always have the right words to say - or... [if she can't do anything at all] If there's something bothering you, or you just want someone with you - You... can rely on me.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ that's on them for screwing up the investigation, but the powers revealed didn't make it any easier. it was all very messy and he's aggravated too, though he tries to breath out all that helpless irritation in a sigh. ]
...It's frustrating, but we are further along and better informed than we were last week. Progress is progress. We cannot lose sight of what we've achieved, even in the face of failure.
[ it's not step one, even if it feels that way. they're sharing information now, aren't they? if they keep doing this, keep fighting... they'll get somewhere. one foot in front of the other. ]
no subject
You sound like you're doing better. Good. I'll need you moving forward, so you can't break on me - but you ought to rely on me too.
[compared to all the doom and gloom on friday, and how he seemed to barely be able to hold it together after the first trial - this is an improvement. she's glad to hear it.]
We still need to catch them to get confirmation, I think. Depending on their reasoning and if we can trust them, then that'll influence what we do afterward. I don't want to whittle down our numbers for no reason...
But I also don't want anyone else to possibly be in danger because we didn't catch a killer.
no subject
relying on her and the others... it's a nice thought. ]
I hope I can be someone you can count on.
[ he's more focused now, at least. he looks ahead, expression more severe than before. ]
Whatever the motive, they still killed someone and led to the death of another. They'll have to be prepared to take on the consequences of their actions.
[ ...he huffs, annoyed. ]
Not that I have the faintest clue who did it. Still, I don't intend to let them go free.
no subject
[they narrowed choices down a bit but... lili still didn't like it. she sighs as they walk through the portal and into the village - and she'll lead dimitri to the path that's headed for the ocean, because at the end of the day she still loves the beach.]
But don't think I didn't notice - you need to rely on me too! Am I not honest enough for you even now? I already said that I trust you, don't make me repeat it a hundred times.
no subject
It's a thin lead, but he's not offended if anyone is suspicious of him, especially since he could have been faking his experience. Even he looks a bit lost in thought at the consideration before Lili speaks up; is she scolding him? Ah. ]
I'm sorry, I don't mean to seem skeptical of you. I know we all need to rely on one another to get through this.
[ It's a somewhat political response... but his tone dips a bit as the ocean draws up beside them, more open and personal. ]
I guess that... until recently, I haven't had many people to share my burdens with. The castle was mostly strangers to me, besides my retainer. And there are so many responsibilities I must take on myself.
[ A king is meant to ease hardships, not dispense them. He smiles a little though, almost embarrassed. ]
I'm still getting used to depending on you all, I suppose. But... I don't dislike doing so.
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[lili won't take prisoners about that though - everyone has to be considered fairly. though when he speaks a bit more openly with her, she blinks in surprise at first before frowning a bit.]
... it's not that I don't get that either. [THEY CONTINUE TO VIBE] I only had my attendants - and I thought everyone else was just useless and getting in my way. But it made it so that when someone dear to me was suffering, I wasn't aware at all...
So you better get used to this! I don't want you to keep holding onto things on your own...
[not when she's more self-aware now, and she doesn't want to be left in the dark anymore.]
I'm right here - and we're working together now. So that ought to count for something.
no subject
he's distracted by the rest of what she's saying, anyway. their circumstances aren't always exactly the same, but it's easy to empathize with her—there's hardly anyone he can talk to about these things, and even fewer who could really, genuinely understand the mantle of nobility.
and more than that, having someone who treats him as an equal is—different. the ocean fills in the quiet space of their conversation, the waves beating against the shore and casting foam near their feet. ]
...Thank you, Lili.
[ it's quiet above the water, but he sounds genuinely moved, voice soft and warm in a way that reaches his eyes. he ducks his head for a moment, apparently at a loss before he manages an unassuming smile, coughing up a quiet puff of laughter around some unexpected lump of emotion in his throat. ]
Sorry, I'm not very good at expressing myself, but... that does mean a lot to me. Especially from someone like you. I don't remember the last time anyone in your position has treated me like— [ a friend? ] a peer.
[1/2]
. . . lili as a person, as someone trying to understand the others around her is - completely unclear on what's fine and what isn't. and perhaps most days she doesn't care, because she decided a while ago that she didn't care what people thought of her.
it surprises her in this moment that she thinks she cares, a little, what dimitri thinks. how he feels. not just as an ally, but maybe—]
.... I don't know what 'someone like me' means... [someone clumsy? frustrating?] But if anyone else bothers you, I'm going to beat them up! It's not like I get along with a lot of people in general, but if it's - someone like you...
[to borrow the same phrase that he did, because actually describing him is awkward]
I want to be allies - and I want to work together, and I want you to trust me the same way that I trust you and... [be casual, be cool] If you want to be f... f...
no subject
Friends...
[please let the waves take her out to sea]
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even when it can be so hard to read people when they fluster and divert their feelings, he listens patiently through her words. they're allies, of course. and he would gladly work with her. more than anything he wants to trust. to be trusted.
that last bit, though...
the waves add noise and her voice is so tiny. did she say...? he's not even trying to tease her when he leans in close, bright-eyed and curious, ]
Pardon? What was that?
[1/3]
Ghk....!
[WORDS ARE HARD.]
no subject
(it's an odd thing for her. for someone who was betrayed in her last setting constantly by people who would so willingly try to call themselves her friend. they played with her trust, and ended up being people whose values didn't align with hers. it was difficult. what was the point of having friends if you couldn't stand together?
dimitri's different, right?)
it's an odd thing, for her desire to get to know someone to outweigh her own fear - but maybe it's a step in the right direction. to stop being afraid of this too.]
F..... Friends!
If you want to be - friends with me!
no subject
If. You.
Want to.
[she understand if not haveanicedaygoodbye]
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it's not a big deal, but it feels like one. ]
You... want to be friends with me?
[ he sounds surprised, uncertain—had anyone ever asked him to be friends? he couldn't even convince dedue to call him by name. most friendships were a far-flung thing of his memories, childlike and gauzy. on the island, they were bloody. maybe even before that, they were bloody.
could he make friends, here? they've stopped walking, and he stumbles over a word soundlessly for a moment before he collects himself.
was she scared he'd say no? ah, he understands that too. he needs to respond quickly; he doesn't need to try and sound reassuring, a genuine fondness in his voice anyway. he likes lili—in this moment, he realizes how much he's wanted to be friends with her since they met. ]
...I'd like that very much.
no subject
but it destroys her a little, how her heart is hammering in her ribcage and he answers her quickly - but for some reason that ruins her just that bit more. he wants to? he actually wants to be her friend? more than just allies?
her only friend in this place was tsurumaru - and he's gone, but he's still dear to her. yet she never expected that there would be others, people who genuinely want to get to know her. to get along with her. it's so strange but it's -
it's not bad.]
Y-You would...?
[she feels like she has to meet his eyes - though it takes effort, to even glance back up at him, shy as she's suddenly feeling.]
... then... we're... friends...
So you have to start sharing your burdens with me! Even if I don't always have the right words to say - or... [if she can't do anything at all] If there's something bothering you, or you just want someone with you - You... can rely on me.