It was always strange coming back from Doyleton; what with his first experience of the place, it was difficult for Kibitoshin to think of it as anything but a big, nasty trap designed to lure him into a false sense of security and then spring something murderous on him the second he got distracted by the books or the nice people or the whole fascinating Earth-town experience. It really wasn't very fair at all.

At any rate, he was almost relieved to get back to his little room back at the Institute. It was dangerous, yes, but at least he could rely on it to be so; Doyleton was scary one day, sane the next, with no obvious rhyme or reason that he could follow. Why hadn't they left them there this week? Did the army decide not to or something?

Even so, as he sat down on his bed Kibitoshin couldn't help but wish he'd stuck to his gut and picked up one of the books he'd seen in the book store. He was still on uncertain territory with Sechs, and Franziska- his relationship with Franziska was a warground, pure and simple, and one that he'd no doubt lose if he didn't prepare himself. Maybe he could have done with a little more guidance on the matter, if only to prevent himself saying something stupid again and hurting both of their feelings all the more for it. These days it seemed like his foot was on a perpetual collision course to his mouth.

With a little sigh he flopped back, staring at the ceiling. Maybe Ritsu would have a few tips for him?