[He REALLY wants to say a comment about how it's been a while since they've done this.
But once he sees the Sage's Mark, all thoughts of being cheeky go right out of his mind.]
So it is.
Though I guess this doesn't really prove much, my mark didn't change between the previous Sage and the current one. Just that we're still Sage's wizards and we're gonna have to fight the Great Calamity still.
We had lots of sages from lots of different worlds in the past, so all those worlds exist. I thought about tryin' to sneeze my way home but that won't work.
[Because he would have to leave Nero behind and he Refuses.]
Yeah, sure. [ It's so easy to settle into this sort of rhythm. Orders given and received. ] I've got an in with Thebe. They're the one that mixes drinks.
"That feeling". Looking at people like they're prey?
[ Nero knows what Northeners are like, he used to be one of them. He also couldn't stand it up there and moved to somewhere way less crazy. ]
I'll keep it in mind. Keep me posted.
[ Another slow sip of wine. ]
From what it sounds like, that Sora lady is a head of a school and a protector of a world. She's about as suspicious as Faust would be in a place like this.
Wouldn't dream of it. I can't leave you hangin' like that.
[They have a promise after all, and they can't keep that promise if Bradley dies.]
'sides, it sounds like a pretty easy mission. We're just delivering some stuff. Apparently we're seeing different worlds too, maybe we'll find the sage's world while we're out here.
[He is not deterred because Nero is a tsundere. If Nero was truly bothered, he would shove Bradley right out that door and the evening would be over. So he'll link hands with him and stay right there.]
You don't need anything I have to offer. You're strong and independent, you can handle everything on your own.
[He's grown so much since their bandit days. It makes Bradley like him even more.]
But you like it when we cuddle up on cold nights, don't you?
[ If it was towards the beginning of being in the manor together, he would shove Bradley away and lock the door behind him. They've gone through centuries, and Nero's never really and truly hated Bradley.
Even when he was locked up, it was always something complicated.
[Well. He did ask for it, so yeah he'll be with Nero in the galley in the morning, waiting for him to cook up breakfast. It was a good night, so Bradley is giving off positive vibes right now.]
[Simple, but always good. Perfect for a morning meal.
Bradley knows well enough to give Nero some space while cooking. He's going to linger in the kitchen though, out of the way but still watching Nero cook.]
Not that he pulls away. It's always such a complicated mix of emotions. That's what happens after centuries of knowing each other. Positive, negative, everything in between. The strongest one is his hundreds of years of affection for this wizard. ]
[Isn't it great how their respective affection for each other is feeding into one-another? Even as he pulls away from the kiss, Brad has a light blush on his cheeks.
He's generally positive most of the time, but moments like this are where he feels truly happy. Even after all this time, his heart still feels the same.]
The worst thing Bradley has ever given him. Nero's betrayed him so severely already, and yet. Here he is, putting himself back in Nero's hands all over again.
At least this time, Nero's life is fully under Bradley's possession, through his unprovoked promise.]
... Stay quiet.
[As he hooks his finger into the ring around his choker, pulling him into another kiss.]
[Unfortunately Bradley cares far too much about Nero to be chased away by something like 'betrayal'. Nero is stuck with him for the rest of his days.
Which is to say, he's just smiling like a fool and going along with Nero, giving a quick nod but staying quiet. No protests has he's pulled in by his choker, and no sounds from him other than a soft sigh as their lips meet.
100 years ago, this is where he would have gotten handsy with Nero. The urge is still there, even after all this time. But rebuilding their connection is a slow process, and he doesn't want to undo all the work he's done in the last year, so his hand grips the edge of the table instead.]
[Wow. It was such a nice night, and Bradley had been sleeping so peacefully curled up with Nero, only for messages to pop up!
He dismisses the first one about the security error, but then the decommissioning ones appear and he sees pictures on those and suddenly he is Very Awake and sitting up in bed.]
[Luke's decommission page is up right now. He probably knows what the words 'decommissioned' though, given what happened right before the current sage appeared, so when he sees that pop up he grimaces.]
Oh. Someone died.
[The message is scrolling, it will get to Luke's final message shortly.]
[The unease is mirrored here. It can't be as simple as an accident, they would have said something.]
Maybe they're gonna take care of the hazard first. And then they'll talk to us about it, so that accident doesn't happen again. There's lots of sharp stuff in the galley, I could see an accident happening there.
[ It's the opposite of ideal. Nero's not a Westerner, and he's given up his Northern status for years.
That doesn't mean he wants to be puppeteered around and forced to kill somebody he doesn't want to. Killing is fine, if he's the one making the decisions but if it's ripped out of his hands his whole being hates the idea of it. ]
... If it happens to you, just kill me. [ It's already something Nero's given him. His life has already been promised. This time Nero won't run away. Better him than somebody else on the ship. Right?
There's no guarantee this would even happen. ] If I come after you, you should also kill me.
[Bradley feels the same way: he's fine with killing as long as he is the one making the decisions. Fuck being puppeted.]
...yeah. I will.
[There's a pang of heartache there. He would do it- he promised, after all- but he had thought that it would be years, if not decades, before he had to finally kill Nero. He still wants to...
...
This sucks.]
But we already knew that's what we would do. The bigger problem is what we do about everyone else.
If Brad dies no promises about what happens to anybody on this ship. There's one person he wants to protect with his entire life. Everyone else is nothing but noise. ]
Seems like things get unlocked when whatever it is begins to act up. So staying in a room wouldn't do anything.
He wants to reach out and smooth Nero's hair, take his hand and reassure him, maybe even kiss his forehead. But he knows they need to talk first, so he clenches his fists and holds off for now.]
We need to find an actual door then, and barricade it. We should also assume that if someone is being puppeted, we will be controlled to be weaker and easier to kill too.
A tall order and he knows it. It's part of the reason Nero threw him into jail.
Even then, he doesn't think the cells in the ship itself are going to be good or protected enough for Thursday nights. They don't know if it'll happen again, but if it does, they'll need to prepare. ]
I don't know about that. Dahut seemed like he was fighting back with what he could. Tch. I need better utensils.
[He shows up, and he's carrying a bouquet of flowers. It's not just a random one he grabbed from the Omegamart though, it's one made with love and care.
White tulips, yellow daffodils, blue hyacinths, and a couple of pink roses mixed in. Flower symbolism ahoy!]
[ Bradley is the most frustrating person he knows. One moment they're having a perfectly good time, and the next he does something that's impossible to forget (derogatory). ]
... Did you make this?
[ Because it doesn't look like a normal bouquet directly from a store. ]
[ The problem is he loves him, but he doesn't know how to do that in any kind of reasonable way. North does not teach anybody about healthy relationships even a little bit. ]
[There's a spot not too far from the lodges, where a fallen log on a snowy hillside provides prefect seating to view the night sky. There's no auroras yet, but it's getting dark enough for them to make their appearance.]
[The sun is nearly set at this point, with only a smudge of purple on the horizon. The stars are twinkling in the night sky above, though Bradley doesn't recognize any of the constellations.]
...but no, it's worse. The North is never cruel for cruelty's sake. The North just Is. Living and dying is all by chance, merely survival of the fittest. This is somehow crueler than that.]
Nothin' back home would've prepared us for this.
[Stuck in an awful position with ticking time bombs in their veins, and no magic to help them escape.]
[ North is the way it is. And Nero left because he couldn't stand it anymore.
People just are the way they grew up, and whatever baggage that left them with... they live with. ]
No.
[ It'd be nice if there was a way out. Or even if they had their magic back, even if it was only on Thursday nights. They can't even pinpoint a reason for the murders that are happening here. ]
Man. And you had tried to skip out on all the excitement too. It would have been a perfect cover for you to slip out and have a bit of fun before being dragged back to jail! But no, here you are, being forced to introduce yourself to the new wizards. What a waste. It's not like you'll even need to see each other for another year anyway!
You need that time to figure out how to deal with this curse. The fact that you're covered in snow is proof of how out-of-control things have gotten.
"Tch...Northern wizard, Bradley."
The others in the room fall quiet as you step in, brushing some snow off of your shoulders. "Just when I thought I could finally kick back and get away from it all, I had to get dragged back into this fucking mess."
Once glance up is enough to drive away all of that irritation, though.
Most of the new wizards are indeed new to him. But this one Eastern wizard with blue hair, you know this one. You would recognize him anywhere. And oh, even with all the time they've been apart, you feel your chest flutter when you see that face again.
"Hey, Nero. It sure has been a while." You can't help but smile, just a little bit. "Did you have fun going clean and washing your hands of the bandit gang while I was stuck in jail?"
Clearly it's not the best way to say hello, because Nero's mood instantly turns sour. "......This has nothing to do with you."
You can't help but laugh at that reaction. Same old Nero. You remember getting on his nerves so many times in the past, only for him to get sullen in return. But somehow, those memories are fond to you. Like a treasure wrapped away in newspaper to keep it safe, those memories are held tightly in your heart. You had thought that 100 years apart would dull your feelings, but they ring as true as they did the last time you saw him. There's no mistaking the warmth and affection you feel for this man.
And then you notice something. "That crest! So you were chosen too, Nero!"
This is amazing. Now you have something to look forward to with this "Sage's wizard" business.
-----
[Okay actually that's a pretty nice memory, Bradley can live with that one being shared.]
[ It's a familiar memory, something that they both experienced... He never really got it from Bradley's point of view though. If it were him, wouldn't he be much angrier to see the person who tossed him in jail like it was nothing? Bradley is a much more positive person than Nero will ever be. But that's what it's like for an Eastern wizard, they're known to be gloomy for a reason.
You've been on the brink of death and somehow Bradley brought you back from the ledge. There's really something about him that makes his commands impossible to ignore. You're laying in bed, trying to heal from injuries that certainly would've taken your life if Bradley had arrived any later. It's guilt that keeps you alive, the specters of their past, and the weight of what you've done to people you could've called family.
Bradley's the person who deserves to take your life, after all the ways you've betrayed him and hurt him.
"Let's do it right now. You wanna deal with me, don't you? I get it. You've more than got the right to turn me to stone."
Bradley's silent, and even after all this time you can't quite read his face. For as expressive as he is, he knows how to keep his feelings hidden when he wants to.
"But... Can you wait until the Great Calamity hits? Once we're done beatin' it back, you can turn me to stone with your own hands." Finally... Finally you'll stop having to exist and bear the weight of all those lives lost, all the time Bradley's been locked away. You'll finally be a stone, and you'll have worth.
Bradley, doesn't believe you, and why should he? "You love sayin' whatever you want. But y'know what, Nero? You already ran away from me once. What makes you think I can trust what you say."
You're so tired. Living like this- despite what you said to Faust, you don't have all that much to live for. The least you can do is die to the person who deserves to kill you the most.
"I promise." With all the weight that entails of a wizard. You'll lose all your magic if you dare to run away this time. It's almost the same thing as being dead.
[Man, what a tone shift. It shows how different they see the world though. And it makes a strange look come over Bradley's face.
Quietly, Bradley finally says something:]
Why do you keep punishin' yourself like this?
[Nero can't claim ignorance anymore, he saw how Bradley feels about everything. He doesn't blame Nero for what happens, and he doesn't understand why Nero still blames himself.]
Because it ain't right. I already told you what your punishment is, and it's not "linger sadly until you die". Do you really think that's gonna make up for everyone who died?
[His heart feels like it's going to rip right out of his chest. This would be so much easier if he wasn't in love with this stupid Eastern wizard.]
[ Nero, who is an eastern wizard, and one of their worst flaws is simply never letting anything go looks at Bradley and thinks- "Why is it so much easier for you to accept me than for me to accept myself?" ]
I'll let you kill me when the time comes. You already knew that.
[He steps forward to place his hands on Nero's shoulders.]
But you promised to not run away, and that means your life is mine. So until that day when I decide to kill ya, you're gonna live the best fucking life you can.
But when we get home from this, we're gonna start livin'. You and I, together. You're gonna live a good life, and then you'll be able to die satisfied.
[Nero promised to not run away, so no running away from this. He has to stay, or lose his magic.]
's what you gotta do, to make it up to everyone. Live well, because they couldn't.
[ He won't run away. Nero's spent so much of his life running away, and this time he finally has an ending. This time, it's something he can accept. No more watching Bradley crawling home almost dead.
Nero's finally getting his peace. ]
You'll kill me once everything's finished?
[ He doesn't need Bradley to promise him in return, but he wants him to at least say it. ]
No need to let go though, because Bradley is going to let Nero hold onto his wrist as he walks towards one of their rooms. The exact one doesn't matter, he just wants to be somewhere private.]
...I got scared, when I heard someone ask about a bruise on you. I know you wouldn't have killed either of those girls, but that wouldn't stop someone from accusing you.
You want- You seriously want to get married here? To me?
[ He does love Bradley so much. There's no other reason he would put him in jail to keep him safe. That exact same fact is the reason he absolutely doesn't think they should get married. Bradley deserves somebody better than him. ]
[ Always? How long as Bradley been thinking about this? Nero hasn't thought about this- never thought about marriage, never thought about the tie that binds a wizard down to another person, the way that any infraction upon that bond would force them to lose their magic.
Maybe when he was much younger, when he was still starry eyed and didn't understand the world nearly as well.
Yeah. I know. I've had a few of 'em forced on me in my life.
[His forced prison sentence, his forced summoning by the Sage, his forced contract by the Nuts & Bolts company. And though he won't say this one out loud, his forced acceptance of a promise from Nero.]
We can change the wording of the vows to suit our needs, but I still wanna make 'em. It's a promise I want to make. I've even got a ring for you and everything.
[ Why are you thinking about getting married this much-
He doesn't meet Bradley's eyes, tilting his cheek into his hand. Nero feels like he's the more practical one out of the two of them. And... there's a part of him that wants to say yes- but the rest of him is so scared.
Nero's always been a coward, when it comes down to it. ]
Brad... I've been around the world and... there's nobody else like you. I'll always be willing to die for you. You know that, right?
... So... even if we do this, please... I'm begging you, if I try to kill you, you have to kill me.
[Because he's a romantic at heart, and he knows himself well. There's never going to be anyone else after Nero. When Nero dies, Bradley will spend the rest of his days looking out for the young wizards born into their uncaring world. But nobody else will ever touch Bradley's heart like Nero has.
Even the betrayal, even 100 years in prison, even Nero's awful habits can't change Bradley's heart. So at that point, why not get married?]
I know. And if I see you awake on Thursday night, I'll do it.
[Nero promised not to run away, after all. Bradley's going to honor that promise.]
[ Nero can say, with certainty, "I loved you", but "I love you" is harder. He doesn't think he'll ever love somebody the same way as Bradley, but he also knows how deeply he's hurt him in so many ways. ]
...
[ This is so tense for him. Bradley's giving him so much, and he really shouldn't. A shaky sigh. ]
... This really isn't how I thought anything would happen.
...yeah. I was kinda waiting for things to get a little better.
[Like he said. Back home in a field of flowers. But 'home' is still a month away, and they could die any day.]
I just thought...if someone else killed you, or you got voted out, I'd hate myself for leavin' it unsaid. SO even if you say no, or 'not now', or anything else, I've said it. I wanna marry you.
[ He laughs, it's soft, bitter and directed entirely at himself.
He's never been as brave as Bradley is. Never as decisive. Never as sure of the things that he says. ]
I don't know how you can be so sure of yourself all the time.
[ What is it like to live like that?
Nero's so conflicted all the time, about everything in his life. There's so little he's felt decisive over, and so many decisions that he's never let go. ]
[Being conflicted? What is that? Once Bradley has decided on something, he sticks with that decision. He will boldly step forward when no other wizard will, because that's what leaders do.]
But that's how it's always been with us, hasn't it? You flocked to me because I was a great leader, after all.
[ There's a reason so many other wizards gathered around him. His little bandit group survived for longer than any other group of wizards had before him and since. Something about Bradley is simply magnetic, he pulls people in and makes them adore him.
[out onto the floor he go! He will let go momentarily to show that it's safe. It's not exactly like ice skating, the balance is different, but he manages to stay up.]
[He suddenly has a mischievous glint in his eyes though. Nero has two seconds to react before Bradley loops his arms around Nero's neck to tug him down to the ground with him.]
[At some point in the day, Bradley wanders over to Nero's pod. Standing next to it, he places a hand on the glass, right over Nero's heart.]
You look so peaceful...it's like you're just takin' a nap or somethin'.
Sorry, I got caught after all. But a lot of stuff happened over the weekend, and I ended up not dyin'. I still don't quite get it, but it's alright. You didn't wanna see me so soon anyway, right?
[His smile falters a little there.]
They say that everyone on your side is workin' hard on comin' back. I hope that's true. I wanna see you again. The way things happened...it wasn't right.
I still have that ring. I wanna give it to you, if you come back.
[His words are met by silence.
He lingers for a while, watching Nero's face, before wandering off.]
[Compared to yesterday, he looks much colder. He's shivering, even though he's wearing layers.]
Fucking weather...it was boiling hot yesterday, and it's freezing cold today. It's probably better in there, I bet you wouldn't feel the temperature at all.
[He sighs, and then he smiles.]
There was a party yesterday. It was kinda nice. Nobody gave me shit about what happened. Maybe they all forgave me already, that'd be nice. I mean, I could handle it if they didn't forgive me, but it's nice to not worry about that so much.
There was an otter around today too. I tried to get it out of the lazy river, but we both fell in anyway. I might sound crazy, but it felt like the thing was as smart as a person. Maybe it was someone who was cursed, but nobody's come forward and said anythin' yet.
...I sent you a letter too. I hope you get it. I couldn't fit everything I wanted to say into it, but just passing on a message for sure helps.
[It makes him feel better, at least, which does indeed help.
He lingers for a while longer before wandering off.]
[After missing a couple days, Bradley comes in looking dejected and sits down right next to the pod.]
I got your letter, I think. Message received, I'll do my best not to end up there. I expect a hefty reward for keepin' to it when you come back.
[He falls silent for a while, and his voice is quiet as he speaks again:]
...someone I care about died last night. Take care of her on your side, okay? I'm sure she'll drive you up a wall, but she has a good heart.
I shouldn't say it like that though, Owner wasn't a bad guy. I was just closer to that Wild Card than I was to him. So take care of both of them, okay? I dunno if you need to eat on that side, but I bet they'd appreciate a meal.
[He'll sit there silently for a long, long time, head resting on the side of Nero's pod.]
[When he comes by Nero's pod after the trial, he doesn't say anything this time. He just sits down by it, rests his head against it, and stays there for a long, long time.]
[Plopping down by the pod as usual! But this time he doesn't look as sad. Instead, he's just resting his back against the pod as he talks.]
I saw the info about the new planet. It looks like it's covered in water? That might be interesting. I didn't really do much last week, so I'll have to go planetside and do something this upcoming week. Maybe I can find a souvenir to give you when you return.
Thinkin' about the water makes me think about the City of Rain. You had a restaurant there, right? We should go back, when we get home. I know someone else probably runs it now, but it'd be nice to see where you spent that part of your life. It doesn't have to be anythin' big or grand, even the small boring stuff feels important.
[He pauses, and he smiles.]
That's what I remember the most now anyway. The small moments in the kitchen or around the campfire at the base. Fuck, we were so young then. You looked so much happier too...
[...]
...I wanna make you look happy like that again. I know your problems are your own and there's not much I can do about 'em, but if I can do anythin' to make you smile, that'd make things a little better. I'll be a little less selfish, and maybe we can build a life together again.
[He's coming over to the pod to chat with Nero like usual. Except, as soon as he sees Nero, he starts horfing up rose petals all over the pod. Then he spends 20 minutes cleaning up the petals in a panic before hurrying away.]
[This time he manages to not cough up flowers all over Nero's pod, so that's an improvement.]
Hey. Viktor came back recently. He seems alright, so I guess that means the rest of you will be alright too? I just wonder why everyone couldn't come along with him.
...I was kinda hopin' to see you again, but I guess I'll have to wait longer.
[He spends the rest of his time there sitting in silence.]
[After the mini-event, Bradley will just flop down by Nero's pod.]
I didn't do any work again today. I know, I got that threat last week, but a lotta people did and we wanted to see what would happen if we didn't do work again. I guess I'll find out on Friday what's gonna happen.
I know it's risky, but I ain't afraid, ya know? I've never been afraid of a little danger. It's harder, without you here too, but I can manage it.
If I end up on your side of things...well, I'll just say sorry and you'll forgive me, right?
[He seems proud of himself for his disobedience regardless.]
[After everyone has said their hellos and given well-wishes, Bradley takes Nero's hand and nods his head towards the door out of the stasis bay. Time to go talk in private.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Weekend 0: Friday
If you wanna check that bad, help me get outta this thing.
[ And if he says anything provocative Nero's going to lose it. ]
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He will indeed help Nero get his arm out of the suit though. Apparently the zippers are in the back, awful.]
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Don't. Say. Anything.
He gets his arm out so they can both check on it. Yeah, the Sage's Mark is still right there. ]
So it is still there.
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But once he sees the Sage's Mark, all thoughts of being cheeky go right out of his mind.]
So it is.
Though I guess this doesn't really prove much, my mark didn't change between the previous Sage and the current one. Just that we're still Sage's wizards and we're gonna have to fight the Great Calamity still.
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Nero pulls the suit back on and waits to get zipped back into it. ]
Figured. We'll get home, deal with the Great Calamity and then kill Figaro 'n the twins.
[ Then Bradley will set him free of life for once and for all. Thank you. ]
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[Maybe they're taking the fight to the moon itself?]
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[Because he would have to leave Nero behind and he Refuses.]
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Does any of your magic work here?
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Don't remember making any promises?
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[A pause, and then he looks Concerned..]
You don't think this is breaking that promise, do you?
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I can't use mine here. So... I don't think that's it.
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[Some of the others. Like Bradley wouldn't do this.]
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[He tried to punch a window already.]
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[He will probably cause problems before week 0 is done.]
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Nero knows him far too well. Bradley will cause some sort of problem before the week is out. ]
Weekend 0: Saturday
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[Their little routine from the wizard manor can continue!]
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We gotta take these back to get more, but that's a fair tradeoff.
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[He'll close the door once Bradley is in.
There's the desks and Nero takes a seat on one of them.]
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I found out some info from the suit-guys.
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Yeah? What'd you learn?
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Apparently we all signed contracts to be here. So we're good and stuck until the contract runs out.
[A contract is a kind of promise, after all.]
They're trying to say we did it willingly, but there's no way either of us would do that.
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Eight weeks of workin' here? Why would we agree to that?
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[Like the strength to kill a few specific wizards.]
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Sounds like it's just money. You wanna follow up on that?
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[The rest of the crew does not need to know about their revenge plot. For now, he will sippy his wine.]
There's a guy here with a tattoo on his neck. I don't get a good feeling from him.
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Tattoo on his neck? Don't think I've met 'em yet.
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He's really perceptive, and he kinda has the feeling that the other Northern Wizards have. You know, that feeling.
[So descriptive. But Nero was born in the North, maybe he knows.]
Just something to keep an eye on.
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"That feeling". Looking at people like they're prey?
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For a moment I saw it there. I'm gonna keep talkin' to him to find out more about him, but be careful.
[All it takes is one unhinged person for Violence to happen, and Bradley knows this because he is indeed an unhinged person.]
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I'll keep it in mind. Keep me posted.
[ Another slow sip of wine. ]
From what it sounds like, that Sora lady is a head of a school and a protector of a world. She's about as suspicious as Faust would be in a place like this.
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[Then he remembers something and grins.]
Tiny rockstar is kinda like you.
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You mean Kazuki?
I dunno, he doesn't like bein' bossed around. [ Nero "Don't make me decide" Turner. ]
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[Not as often as Kazuki, but sometimes.]
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You're the most stubborn guy I know.
[ Which is somehow as annoying as it is comforting. ]
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Guilty as charged.
[He's leaning in a bit to bump shoulders with Nero. These are his favorite kind of nights.]
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Nero doesn't deserve it, but he also can't help taking what's offered.
After all, his life is Bradley's to do with what he will. ]
Do me the favor and keep yourself safe while we're out here?
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[No promises, but he'll try.]
'sides, we're both on this mission. You'll be right there the whole time to see that I'm being safe.
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[ Bradley will get yelled at otherwise. ]
We need to finish everything up back home.
[ And then Nero can finally die. ]
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Wouldn't dream of it. I can't leave you hangin' like that.
[They have a promise after all, and they can't keep that promise if Bradley dies.]
'sides, it sounds like a pretty easy mission. We're just delivering some stuff. Apparently we're seeing different worlds too, maybe we'll find the sage's world while we're out here.
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[ Please, he's promised you his life. He won't run away this time. ]
Earth? I'm pretty interested in seein' it if we could. Plenty of people seem to be from there too.
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[He wants to take Nero on a date somewhere nice too. He deserves it.]
Maybe this'll be more like a vacation than work, who knows.
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Wouldn't go that far. Work always feels like work. We'll have to see how it actually pans out.
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[Taking another sip of his wine now.]
The free drinks are good at least, yeah?
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[Sips]
Not as good as Shylock's but that's a high bar.
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["I love you
r food"]But everyone else'll try it and agree with me.
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Riquet would probably agree with you.
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[Leaning in a bit more, but trying to be sly about it.]
If I stay the night will you cook breakfast for me?
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What am I gettin' outta that? You're getting breakfast and I get...?
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[He's resting the side of his head against Nero now.]
And I'll chase away your roommate if they show up.
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[ He puts his wine down and links their fingers together in the privacy of the room. ]
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You don't need anything I have to offer. You're strong and independent, you can handle everything on your own.
[He's grown so much since their bandit days. It makes Bradley like him even more.]
But you like it when we cuddle up on cold nights, don't you?
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Even when he was locked up, it was always something complicated.
A laugh, warm and affectionate. ]
It's not even that cold here.
[ Still not a no. ]
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[He pulls up their linked hands and kisses the back of Nero's.
Brad has always enjoyed wooing Nero like this. It's about the only time he's subtle and gentle.]
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You're a real charmer when you actually try.
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I have my moments.
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I'll let you have them... sometimes.
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[He will butter Nero up with booze only twice a week then.]
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[It's not too overwhelming for Nero. Two times a week is enough.]
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[He'll tap his wine glass against Nero's in a 'cheers' gesture.]
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Week 0, Monday
What're you gonna make?
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There's a sense of nostalgia there as well. ]
It's early... Crispy egg on toast for you?
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[Simple, but always good. Perfect for a morning meal.
Bradley knows well enough to give Nero some space while cooking. He's going to linger in the kitchen though, out of the way but still watching Nero cook.]
Glad to have some real food here too.
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Otherwise he's content to cook two portions. ]
You wouldn't starve.
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[Buttering up the cook.]
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[There's still a surge of affection.]
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Of course.
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Gettin' too used to it?
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One day, he will die at Bradley's hand, after all. It's what he deserves. ]
I'll leave that up to you.
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Then I'll choose your cooking, each and every day.
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[ What are you going to do when Nero is gone? ]
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If you put in the effort, you could do a decent job.
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[He has a one-track mind.]
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[Here's your breakfast.]
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[It's just vegetables he hates.]
What fruit would go good with grilled fish?
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Week 0, Thursday
Adnopotensum
Up for a drink tonight?
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Yo.
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[Just sliding on in with his drinks. Once he's in he'll lean against the wall by Nero again and hand him one of the wine coolers.]
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Heard you barely have a roommate either.
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[ Worse than Faust. ]
Doubt it'd be much of a change of scenery to visit your room.
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[But they're already here, so. Bumping shoulders with Nero now.]
DId you have fun yesterday?
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It was fine. You looked like you did.
[ Minus the carrot. ]
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It was interesting. It's not something we could really do back at the manor, half of them would go to blows over dares.
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Yeah? Like you wouldn't be one of 'em?
[ Then again dares with magic do seem worse. ]
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[Dares with magic would be awful, not allowed.]
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[ If they could get Riquet to actually play, that is. It always feels like such a toss up. ]
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[Mitile could get Riquet to play. He has faith in the tinies.
A bubble of playfulness comes up though, and he grins at Nero.]
Hey. Truth or dare?
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Truth.
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Would you rather kiss me, or have me kiss you?
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[ Extremely strong embarrassment. ]
The... second...
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He reaches over to tuck his index finger under Nero's chin, to guide him to look his way.]
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Somehow that just endears him to Bradley even more. Heart full of bubbly warm feelings, he leans in to kiss Nero softly on the lips.]
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Not that he pulls away. It's always such a complicated mix of emotions. That's what happens after centuries of knowing each other. Positive, negative, everything in between. The strongest one is his hundreds of years of affection for this wizard. ]
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He's generally positive most of the time, but moments like this are where he feels truly happy. Even after all this time, his heart still feels the same.]
Yer really cute like this.
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[ Another wave of embarrassment and affection. ]
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I'll pick 'dare' then.
[Dare him to kiss you again Nero.]
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[This is how much he trusts Nero. Feel the trust.]
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The worst thing Bradley has ever given him. Nero's betrayed him so severely already, and yet. Here he is, putting himself back in Nero's hands all over again.
At least this time, Nero's life is fully under Bradley's possession, through his unprovoked promise.]
... Stay quiet.
[As he hooks his finger into the ring around his choker, pulling him into another kiss.]
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Which is to say, he's just smiling like a fool and going along with Nero, giving a quick nod but staying quiet. No protests has he's pulled in by his choker, and no sounds from him other than a soft sigh as their lips meet.
100 years ago, this is where he would have gotten handsy with Nero. The urge is still there, even after all this time. But rebuilding their connection is a slow process, and he doesn't want to undo all the work he's done in the last year, so his hand grips the edge of the table instead.]
Week 0, Friday
He dismisses the first one about the security error, but then the decommissioning ones appear and he sees pictures on those and suddenly he is Very Awake and sitting up in bed.]
Nero, something's happening.
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Immediately awake, and on edge. ]
What happened?
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[Luke's decommission page is up right now. He probably knows what the words 'decommissioned' though, given what happened right before the current sage appeared, so when he sees that pop up he grimaces.]
Oh. Someone died.
[The message is scrolling, it will get to Luke's final message shortly.]
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[But then that death message pops up and Brad draws in a sharp breath.]
What?
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Two? Dahut and Luke?
What happened?
It's not like this is the first time they've lost somebody, but they usually know what caused it. ]
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What happened last night?]
An accident?
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[ A strong sense of unease. Is it really just that? Or did something else happen? ]
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Maybe they're gonna take care of the hazard first. And then they'll talk to us about it, so that accident doesn't happen again. There's lots of sharp stuff in the galley, I could see an accident happening there.
[But fuck. Those two didn't deserve this.]
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[ That doesn't feel right to him. ]
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We cooked together, that shouldn't have been an issue.
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[A pause, and he considers Nero's vibes.]
I can go check first, and make sure it doesn't look too awful.
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I'll come with.
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[He actually feels relieved to have Nero come along. Two sets of eyes are better than one.
...how do they get out of bed though. It's too comfy.]
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It's investigation time. (It's not.) ]
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Fine, I'm up!
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[To check the galley. Nero shrugs his outer shirt back on before starting to head out.]
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It might be closed off.
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Week 0: Sunday
Where does he even start? Puppeteer? So anybody could get puppeted? ]
... Let's plan.
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[This sucks. This fucking sucks.]
When we get to that planet tomorrow, stay with me. I'm gonna try teleporting home.
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[ Anyway. ]
He talked about a puppeteer, remember?
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[He pulls a pepper shaker out of his pocket though. He is Ready to try.]
Wanna try now?
[Puppeteer talk in a moment, stupidity first.]
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Brad, are you listening to me?
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[He's a little freaked out too. He feels vulnerable without his magic.]
I talked with some others yesterday too. It might be the nanites' fault. Someone- a puppeteer- might be takin' people over with their nanites.
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[ It's the opposite of ideal. Nero's not a Westerner, and he's given up his Northern status for years.
That doesn't mean he wants to be puppeteered around and forced to kill somebody he doesn't want to. Killing is fine, if he's the one making the decisions but if it's ripped out of his hands his whole being hates the idea of it. ]
... If it happens to you, just kill me. [ It's already something Nero's given him. His life has already been promised. This time Nero won't run away. Better him than somebody else on the ship. Right?
There's no guarantee this would even happen. ] If I come after you, you should also kill me.
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...yeah. I will.
[There's a pang of heartache there. He would do it- he promised, after all- but he had thought that it would be years, if not decades, before he had to finally kill Nero. He still wants to...
...
This sucks.]
But we already knew that's what we would do. The bigger problem is what we do about everyone else.
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Thanks.
[ How grim is that? Thanking his former partner for a kill he may or may not be committing. ]
Don't think anybody's safe from this thing.
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[If he dies, he can't kill Nero, and thus Nero can never die.
If Nero dies by someone else's hands, Bradley will lose his magic (and his shit).]
So we need to find a way to stay protected, if it happens again.
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If Brad dies no promises about what happens to anybody on this ship. There's one person he wants to protect with his entire life. Everyone else is nothing but noise. ]
Seems like things get unlocked when whatever it is begins to act up. So staying in a room wouldn't do anything.
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He wants to reach out and smooth Nero's hair, take his hand and reassure him, maybe even kiss his forehead. But he knows they need to talk first, so he clenches his fists and holds off for now.]
We need to find an actual door then, and barricade it. We should also assume that if someone is being puppeted, we will be controlled to be weaker and easier to kill too.
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A tall order and he knows it. It's part of the reason Nero threw him into jail.
Even then, he doesn't think the cells in the ship itself are going to be good or protected enough for Thursday nights. They don't know if it'll happen again, but if it does, they'll need to prepare. ]
I don't know about that. Dahut seemed like he was fighting back with what he could. Tch. I need better utensils.
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He is the "I may be stupid" meme.
The cells aren't a bad idea but Bradley would refuse them on principal. He's been in jail for too long already.]
Maybe we can get you somethin' better at this planet we're goin' to.
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This stupid wizard that Nero cares about so much. ]
Better utensils. I didn't get mine when we got here.
[ Emotional support wheat save him.
Save him emotional support wheat. ]
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This is your stupid wizard, Nero.]
We need to get you a kitchen knife at the very least. If we can't buy any, I'll break into a kitchen there and take one.
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There's knives in the galley, but I don't know if they keep track of those. Might be better to take it from a planet.
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[It will be easier for Nero to get away with it if he has to self-defense kill.]
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[After a moment's hesitation, he reaches out to take Nero's hand in his own.]
We'll get through this. One way or another.
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... ...
[ He feels like Brad will get through this. He's always been better at dealing stressful places. ]
Week 1, Tuesday
Can I come over?
Adnopotensum
I got something for you.
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White tulips, yellow daffodils, blue hyacinths, and a couple of pink roses mixed in. Flower symbolism ahoy!]
Hey. I, uh, I'm sorry. For yesterday.
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... Did you make this?
[ Because it doesn't look like a normal bouquet directly from a store. ]
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[Feelings! Matter!!!]
I got a vase for 'em too, since I didn't know if you had one.
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[ He says that, but he still accepts the gift. ]
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[And some good fragrance too.]
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They'll look better on the table.
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[He'll go into the bathroom first to put some water into the vase he brought then that goes onto the desk.]
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[Food is often a motivator but that's not his motivation this time.]
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I missed talkin' to you, alright? And I knew I had to give a good apology before we could talk again.
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[ Not that Nero's successfully thrown him out forever... ever. ]
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[He may be stupid.]
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I'm forgiving you. This time.
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He holds out his arms. Hug?]
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Week 1, Sunday
And we still don't know what's causin' all of this. Fuck.
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[Especially day 1, with Faust.]
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The last time Nero needed that...]
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...let's try askin' around the next planet we go to, yeah? Maybe someone there'll have more information about it.
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Might as well.
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It looks like it'll be a snow planet.
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[ Challenge level: impossible]
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[Snow date snow date]
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Just maybe?
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These last couple of years with the sage sure have changed the wizards a lot, huh?]
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Week 2, Tuesday
Hey, let's go check out the new planet.
Adnopotensum
Maybe there's Northern Lights here!
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Who knows! But we can find out.
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[ TN: "I would like to spend time with you." ]
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Let's go then.
[Boop Boop they meet up and go planetside, and now they get to walk through the snow now! Bradley is behaving and not throwing snowballs at Nero too.]
Ha! It's like a mild Northern winter.
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[He knows of a perfect spot, but they have to walk a bit.]
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C'mon, over here.
[There's a spot not too far from the lodges, where a fallen log on a snowy hillside provides prefect seating to view the night sky. There's no auroras yet, but it's getting dark enough for them to make their appearance.]
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Feels a lot like North.
[ Even if they can't make contact with the spirits here. ]
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[A mild version of North, but still close enough.]
's why I thought of the northern lights. Space Doc said we'd see 'em on this planet, so I wanna see 'em.
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Space Doc? Do you know their callsigns?
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[Even if it is Really Obvious, they still have to keep up pretenses.]
It's been a while for you too, yeah?
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[ He doesn't miss North, but there are pieces of it that are beautiful. ]
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[The sun is nearly set at this point, with only a smudge of purple on the horizon. The stars are twinkling in the night sky above, though Bradley doesn't recognize any of the constellations.]
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[Just something off hand, that he's noticing, tilting back and looking up.]
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[He points up to one part of the sky.]
Over there, that kinda looks like a bat, doesn't it?
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[Less annoying, since it's silent.]
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What do you see?
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[Pointing at one of the clusters of stars.]
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[The sky is darker now, and all of a sudden wisps of color start to trail across the sky. The aurora is forming.]
Oh, there it is!
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But the crazy thing is, after a little while, Bradley finds himself watching Nero more than the aurora.]
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Nero's looking up, enjoying the beautiful lights in the sky. ]
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He's just going to slip an arm around Nero's shoulders in a loose hug as he looks back up at the brilliant night sky.]
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It's a nice little night date.]
Week 2, Sunday
He's just going to follow along with Nero, going wherever he goes. Today sucked, and he wants to stay next to his favorite person right now.]
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Trying to sneak his hand in to hold Nero's while they walk.]
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[What are you doing?]
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[He looks upset. Maybe the comfort is for him this week.]
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They were just kids, Nero.
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This place isn't kind.
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[It reminds him of how unforgiving the North is.
...but no, it's worse. The North is never cruel for cruelty's sake. The North just Is. Living and dying is all by chance, merely survival of the fittest. This is somehow crueler than that.]
Nothin' back home would've prepared us for this.
[Stuck in an awful position with ticking time bombs in their veins, and no magic to help them escape.]
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People just are the way they grew up, and whatever baggage that left them with... they live with. ]
No.
[ It'd be nice if there was a way out. Or even if they had their magic back, even if it was only on Thursday nights. They can't even pinpoint a reason for the murders that are happening here. ]
I hate it here.
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[He could say he likes some of the people he has met here. But the absolute horror of the weekends overrides that completely.]
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I'm tired.
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...wanna go lay down?
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Week 3, Tuesday
---
Man. And you had tried to skip out on all the excitement too. It would have been a perfect cover for you to slip out and have a bit of fun before being dragged back to jail! But no, here you are, being forced to introduce yourself to the new wizards. What a waste. It's not like you'll even need to see each other for another year anyway!
You need that time to figure out how to deal with this curse. The fact that you're covered in snow is proof of how out-of-control things have gotten.
"Tch...Northern wizard, Bradley."
The others in the room fall quiet as you step in, brushing some snow off of your shoulders. "Just when I thought I could finally kick back and get away from it all, I had to get dragged back into this fucking mess."
Once glance up is enough to drive away all of that irritation, though.
Most of the new wizards are indeed new to him. But this one Eastern wizard with blue hair, you know this one. You would recognize him anywhere. And oh, even with all the time they've been apart, you feel your chest flutter when you see that face again.
"Hey, Nero. It sure has been a while." You can't help but smile, just a little bit. "Did you have fun going clean and washing your hands of the bandit gang while I was stuck in jail?"
Clearly it's not the best way to say hello, because Nero's mood instantly turns sour. "......This has nothing to do with you."
You can't help but laugh at that reaction. Same old Nero. You remember getting on his nerves so many times in the past, only for him to get sullen in return. But somehow, those memories are fond to you. Like a treasure wrapped away in newspaper to keep it safe, those memories are held tightly in your heart. You had thought that 100 years apart would dull your feelings, but they ring as true as they did the last time you saw him. There's no mistaking the warmth and affection you feel for this man.
And then you notice something. "That crest! So you were chosen too, Nero!"
This is amazing. Now you have something to look forward to with this "Sage's wizard" business.
-----
[Okay actually that's a pretty nice memory, Bradley can live with that one being shared.]
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You've been on the brink of death and somehow Bradley brought you back from the ledge. There's really something about him that makes his commands impossible to ignore. You're laying in bed, trying to heal from injuries that certainly would've taken your life if Bradley had arrived any later. It's guilt that keeps you alive, the specters of their past, and the weight of what you've done to people you could've called family.
Bradley's the person who deserves to take your life, after all the ways you've betrayed him and hurt him.
"Let's do it right now. You wanna deal with me, don't you? I get it. You've more than got the right to turn me to stone."
Bradley's silent, and even after all this time you can't quite read his face. For as expressive as he is, he knows how to keep his feelings hidden when he wants to.
"But... Can you wait until the Great Calamity hits? Once we're done beatin' it back, you can turn me to stone with your own hands." Finally... Finally you'll stop having to exist and bear the weight of all those lives lost, all the time Bradley's been locked away. You'll finally be a stone, and you'll have worth.
Bradley, doesn't believe you, and why should he? "You love sayin' whatever you want. But y'know what, Nero? You already ran away from me once. What makes you think I can trust what you say."
You're so tired. Living like this- despite what you said to Faust, you don't have all that much to live for. The least you can do is die to the person who deserves to kill you the most.
"I promise." With all the weight that entails of a wizard. You'll lose all your magic if you dare to run away this time. It's almost the same thing as being dead.
It's worth it to make Bradley believe you.
There's no reason to run anymore. ]
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Quietly, Bradley finally says something:]
Why do you keep punishin' yourself like this?
[Nero can't claim ignorance anymore, he saw how Bradley feels about everything. He doesn't blame Nero for what happens, and he doesn't understand why Nero still blames himself.]
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[ It's not just about Bradley. It's about all the other bandits that he turned to stone through one action.
He knew that the only thing keeping them all bound together was Bradley, and he still turned tail. He still betrayed him. ]
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[His heart feels like it's going to rip right out of his chest. This would be so much easier if he wasn't in love with this stupid Eastern wizard.]
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I'll let you kill me when the time comes. You already knew that.
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[He steps forward to place his hands on Nero's shoulders.]
But you promised to not run away, and that means your life is mine. So until that day when I decide to kill ya, you're gonna live the best fucking life you can.
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[You can lead an East to a good life, but god can you not make them live it.]
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That's how it is.
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But when we get home from this, we're gonna start livin'. You and I, together. You're gonna live a good life, and then you'll be able to die satisfied.
[Nero promised to not run away, so no running away from this. He has to stay, or lose his magic.]
's what you gotta do, to make it up to everyone. Live well, because they couldn't.
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Nero's finally getting his peace. ]
You'll kill me once everything's finished?
[ He doesn't need Bradley to promise him in return, but he wants him to at least say it. ]
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[He's agreeing to this now, but he's hoping that, in time, Nero will find reasons to live.]
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There's a small sigh, the slightest bit of relief- Nero drops his head on Bradley's shoulder.
It might not be anytime soon, but Bradley deserves to kill him. ]
Week 3: Saturday
Hellish. ]
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No need to let go though, because Bradley is going to let Nero hold onto his wrist as he walks towards one of their rooms. The exact one doesn't matter, he just wants to be somewhere private.]
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I hate this place.
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[He's not going to let go for a while.]
...I got scared, when I heard someone ask about a bruise on you. I know you wouldn't have killed either of those girls, but that wouldn't stop someone from accusing you.
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...I wanna make another promise with you. Before something happens to either of us.
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[What are you doing? What are you thinking about?]
Don't.
[Don't promise him anything, he's in this lopsided deal with you and that's the way he wants to keep it.]
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[Probably. Maybe.]
I wanna get married. With you.
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Sorry.
What? ]
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It doesn't have to be today. We could do it next week, on whatever planet we go to. Shepherd's a priest, so he could officiate.
I'm serious, Nero. If we could die at any time, then I wanna make these days count.
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[ He does love Bradley so much. There's no other reason he would put him in jail to keep him safe. That exact same fact is the reason he absolutely doesn't think they should get married. Bradley deserves somebody better than him. ]
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[He'd always imagined. He's been thinking about this for a while.
He pulls back from their hug and cups the side of Nero's face, smiling softly.]
You're the only one for me, Nero. Even after you die, my heart will only belong to you.
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Maybe when he was much younger, when he was still starry eyed and didn't understand the world nearly as well.
His face flushes.
His heart beats faster.
He's at a loss for words. ]
................
You know how dangerous a promise is.
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[His forced prison sentence, his forced summoning by the Sage, his forced contract by the Nuts & Bolts company. And though he won't say this one out loud, his forced acceptance of a promise from Nero.]
We can change the wording of the vows to suit our needs, but I still wanna make 'em. It's a promise I want to make. I've even got a ring for you and everything.
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[ A ring?! ]
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[Actually he had been thinking about it before he got the ring, but details.]
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He doesn't meet Bradley's eyes, tilting his cheek into his hand. Nero feels like he's the more practical one out of the two of them. And... there's a part of him that wants to say yes- but the rest of him is so scared.
Nero's always been a coward, when it comes down to it. ]
Brad... I've been around the world and... there's nobody else like you. I'll always be willing to die for you. You know that, right?
... So... even if we do this, please... I'm begging you, if I try to kill you, you have to kill me.
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Even the betrayal, even 100 years in prison, even Nero's awful habits can't change Bradley's heart. So at that point, why not get married?]
I know. And if I see you awake on Thursday night, I'll do it.
[Nero promised not to run away, after all. Bradley's going to honor that promise.]
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...
[ This is so tense for him. Bradley's giving him so much, and he really shouldn't. A shaky sigh. ]
... This really isn't how I thought anything would happen.
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[Like he said. Back home in a field of flowers. But 'home' is still a month away, and they could die any day.]
I just thought...if someone else killed you, or you got voted out, I'd hate myself for leavin' it unsaid. SO even if you say no, or 'not now', or anything else, I've said it. I wanna marry you.
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He's never been as brave as Bradley is. Never as decisive. Never as sure of the things that he says. ]
I don't know how you can be so sure of yourself all the time.
[ What is it like to live like that?
Nero's so conflicted all the time, about everything in his life. There's so little he's felt decisive over, and so many decisions that he's never let go. ]
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[Being conflicted? What is that? Once Bradley has decided on something, he sticks with that decision. He will boldly step forward when no other wizard will, because that's what leaders do.]
But that's how it's always been with us, hasn't it? You flocked to me because I was a great leader, after all.
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Nero's no different in that sense. ]
...
I'm not gonna call you "Boss" again.
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You can call me whatever you want.
[People might adore him, but he adores Nero the most.]
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You're Brad to me.
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Yep. I'm your Brad.
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Not yet.
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[Hopefully it's before one of them heckin' dies though.]
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What's it like to be this confident in yourself?]
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Week 4, Monday
Hey! I found a place where we can skate!
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You wanna try it?
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Yeah! They got wheels on the skates instead of blades, but it looks like they work the same.
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Wheels? Sure you won't fall?
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'Course not! I can't look uncool in front of you.
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[Dragging him to the skating rink! And they get to put on skates and be uncool together.]
I did fine at ice skating, so this can't be much different.
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(He's also gonna fall.)]
You think it's that similar?
1/2
Close enough, yeah. Watch.
[out onto the floor he go! He will let go momentarily to show that it's safe. It's not exactly like ice skating, the balance is different, but he manages to stay up.]
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Nero, you're a dick. ]
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Bradley is sitting on the ground pouting now.]
Man...I wanted to look cool for you.
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You really think that's gonna do it?
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[He suddenly has a mischievous glint in his eyes though. Nero has two seconds to react before Bradley loops his arms around Nero's neck to tug him down to the ground with him.]
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Hey!
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That's what you get for laughin' at me.
[He's not mad, he's being playful right now.]
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[Smooching Nero on the forehead.]
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Yeah, I know.
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C'mon, let's try going around together.
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Couple laps should be fine.
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[Except I rolled a 5 and then a 4 and so they're going down again.]
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[Down they go-]
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[Lol. Lmao.]
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And I'll tell 'em that you suck at rollerskating.
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Week 5, Monday
You look so peaceful...it's like you're just takin' a nap or somethin'.
Sorry, I got caught after all. But a lot of stuff happened over the weekend, and I ended up not dyin'. I still don't quite get it, but it's alright. You didn't wanna see me so soon anyway, right?
[His smile falters a little there.]
They say that everyone on your side is workin' hard on comin' back. I hope that's true. I wanna see you again. The way things happened...it wasn't right.
I still have that ring. I wanna give it to you, if you come back.
[His words are met by silence.
He lingers for a while, watching Nero's face, before wandering off.]
Week 5, Tuesday
Fucking weather...it was boiling hot yesterday, and it's freezing cold today. It's probably better in there, I bet you wouldn't feel the temperature at all.
[He sighs, and then he smiles.]
There was a party yesterday. It was kinda nice. Nobody gave me shit about what happened. Maybe they all forgave me already, that'd be nice. I mean, I could handle it if they didn't forgive me, but it's nice to not worry about that so much.
There was an otter around today too. I tried to get it out of the lazy river, but we both fell in anyway. I might sound crazy, but it felt like the thing was as smart as a person. Maybe it was someone who was cursed, but nobody's come forward and said anythin' yet.
...I sent you a letter too. I hope you get it. I couldn't fit everything I wanted to say into it, but just passing on a message for sure helps.
[It makes him feel better, at least, which does indeed help.
He lingers for a while longer before wandering off.]
Week 5, Friday
I got your letter, I think. Message received, I'll do my best not to end up there. I expect a hefty reward for keepin' to it when you come back.
[He falls silent for a while, and his voice is quiet as he speaks again:]
...someone I care about died last night. Take care of her on your side, okay? I'm sure she'll drive you up a wall, but she has a good heart.
I shouldn't say it like that though, Owner wasn't a bad guy. I was just closer to that Wild Card than I was to him. So take care of both of them, okay? I dunno if you need to eat on that side, but I bet they'd appreciate a meal.
[He'll sit there silently for a long, long time, head resting on the side of Nero's pod.]
Week 5, Saturday
Week 5, Sunday
I saw the info about the new planet. It looks like it's covered in water? That might be interesting. I didn't really do much last week, so I'll have to go planetside and do something this upcoming week. Maybe I can find a souvenir to give you when you return.
Thinkin' about the water makes me think about the City of Rain. You had a restaurant there, right? We should go back, when we get home. I know someone else probably runs it now, but it'd be nice to see where you spent that part of your life. It doesn't have to be anythin' big or grand, even the small boring stuff feels important.
[He pauses, and he smiles.]
That's what I remember the most now anyway. The small moments in the kitchen or around the campfire at the base. Fuck, we were so young then. You looked so much happier too...
[...]
...I wanna make you look happy like that again. I know your problems are your own and there's not much I can do about 'em, but if I can do anythin' to make you smile, that'd make things a little better. I'll be a little less selfish, and maybe we can build a life together again.
Just...please come back. So we can try.
Week 6, Monday
Week 6, Tuesday
Hey. Viktor came back recently. He seems alright, so I guess that means the rest of you will be alright too? I just wonder why everyone couldn't come along with him.
...I was kinda hopin' to see you again, but I guess I'll have to wait longer.
[He spends the rest of his time there sitting in silence.]
Week 6, Wednesday
I didn't do any work again today. I know, I got that threat last week, but a lotta people did and we wanted to see what would happen if we didn't do work again. I guess I'll find out on Friday what's gonna happen.
I know it's risky, but I ain't afraid, ya know? I've never been afraid of a little danger. It's harder, without you here too, but I can manage it.
If I end up on your side of things...well, I'll just say sorry and you'll forgive me, right?
[He seems proud of himself for his disobedience regardless.]
Week 6, Friday
...nobody died last night. We did it, we kept everyone safe.
[He reaches out and places his hand on the glass, right over Nero's heart.]
Things are changing, so...maybe it'll be time to see you guys again soon?
[He can only hope. He has a lot to say to Nero.]
Week 6, Saturday
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Once they're inside, Bradley pulls Nero into another hug. It's private, so he can be sappy now.]
I missed you.
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[Hugging back.]
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[Really though, with how some of the stuff went down, he thinks it's a miracle he survived.]
...they caught me that week. They voted me out too. But somehow, I didn't die. The other killer did.
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But that's neither here nor there, and it's a fight he's not prepared for at the moment. ]
I know. You weren't there with me.
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[...]
What happened that night anyway? Were you possessed? Or did I just piss you off that much?
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[There's some clarity now, at least.]
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Sounds like what happened to the tiny scholar too. She was really irritated that night when we spent the curfew with her.
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So it was the same sort of thing.
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...what was it like over there? Were you still around in the ship?
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Also it was... fine? Weird things, but that's basically to be expected.
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Was that other guy there? The blonde guy.
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[Nero doesn't know because I was not as present as I wanted to be.]
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Him showin' up made that one leader- the stick in the mud one- act kinda crazy. Kinda like how White gets sometimes about Snow.
[Bradley not realizing Vash and Knives are twins, comparing them to another set of twins.]
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...holy shit. Shouldn't we be worried about this?
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...speaking of which, our magic is back, but sometimes it doesn't work.
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[Says his spell words and floats up his cutlery... And then they shudder in the air as they fall onto the bed.]
Looks like we're on the same rules now.
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Are you poutin'?
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[He is.]
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So I just gotta keep poutin' to get kisses from you, huh?
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[Absolutely untrue.]
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Yer poutin' right now.