damned_institute | Day 26: Cafeteria, Lunch

Scar felt cold and sick, though more the latter than the former. As he rose from his bed, he didn't quite know which way was up, and the artificial light coming from overhead seemed as hot and as blinding as the Ishbal sun.

His head hurt, but that was nothing new. After all, the last thing he remembered from the night before was fighting a homunculus off of Lust and then having a conversation about events best left forgotten. The man hadn't been his brother. He just hadn't. And if what Lust had said they'd done to her was true...

Scar stood with shakiness that he wanted to attribute more to a bizarrely weakened physical state than a mental one. Had he been knocked out by some kind of lurking monster before the morning had come? He felt as if he had been out for days, being a veteran of such circumstances, though as he took the practiced role of being an obedient follower behind the nurse and orderlies that came for him, it didn't seem as if much had changed.

This place was probably just playing tricks on him again, and he was tired of being the man left out of the loop. He grabbed some food he didn't really care for and sat down, not seeing anyone he knew already seated. On one hand, he wished he had someone to talk to, and on the other, it scared him that he was no longer used to being alone.

He dug his fork into his food and tried to block out any related thought.

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"What good would it do?" Tatsumi shook his head slowly. In truth, he hated Tsuzuki's pain as much as Byakko did, but the rational part of his mind, the part that could see the costs and the gains and the final results, knew the reality of the situation "I know it is hard on you both, but we're all weakened here. In the end, we can't overpower them we have to go about this rationally, or you won't be able to help Kurosaki-kun once he's released."

The secretary looked to the pair, then sighed softly. "None of us like it, Tatsumi-san. But we can't be reckless when we've already been so handicapped. Kurosaki-kun will have a hard time, yes...but this way he won't have to worry about you while he faces Muraki-sensei."

Out of all of Tsuzuki's shikigami, Byakko was probably the one least known for being rational. If Tsuzuki wanted it, then he'd gladly face as many nurses and orderlies as it took to rescue Hisoka or to desroy Muraki, just because he wished it. His shikigami loved him, would do whatever he asked just to see him happy. Unfortunately, it also meant that Tatsumi's words had little effect. Sohryuu, maybe, would have been more clear headed.

His arms tightened around Tsuzuki protectively, possessively. "And if he's hurt because we did nothing?" he growled. Tsuzuki would hate himself and that could probably hurt him worse than simply being sedated or hurt physically by the nurses.

What good would it do?

At least they would have tried, right? They couldn't just give up without trying! Even if he knew deep down that he wouldn't get any farther than Hisoka did... No! He couldn't think like that! Hisoka needed him! Even if he didn't realize it... Even if he did set up this entire conspiracy... Did Hisoka really want him to stay away that much? Didn't he trust him?

Tsuzuki rested his head against Byakko, trying not to cry. It all seemed so hopeless. They couldn't rescue Hisoka because this place was too powerful, but they couldn't sit here and do nothing, either... He waited silently for Tatsumi's answer.

Tatsumi knew the look on Tsuzuki's face, and had to fight not to let the man run after Hisoka just then. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to focus, and to remain firm.

It'd all be for nothing if he gave in now.

"Let's go to the Sun Room, Tsuzuki-san, Byakko-sama." Tatsumi looked to the tiger-god, speaking quietly. "We should prepare for what could happen, and hope for the best."

He hated that look from Tsuzuki, it was sos painful to see. He was meant to be all smiles and glee, possibly over cakes. Not this sadness. And Tatsumi and Hisoka had put it there. It didn't land them in the god's good books. Not one bit.

He kissed the top of Tsuzuki's head softly before turning his attention back to Tatsumi, eyes hardening. "Only if he wants it. If Tsuzuki wants something else, I'll do it." If he wanted to go after Hisoka, then that's what he would gladly do.

Tsuzuki wouldn't have minded at all if he'd gotten himself sedated like Hisoka had a few days ago. This was his partner and he'd do anything for him, even if it seemed futile. But there was Tatsumi, and especially Byakko to think about. He wasn't sure what Tatsumi would do, but he knew that if he fought, Byakko would fight, and they would both be in trouble. Doing foolish things regardless of consequences wasn't quite as easy when you weren't the only one suffering from them.

"Sun room..." Tsuzuki murmured, hating himself with each second that passed. Who knew what could be happening to Hisoka right now, and he couldn't even go after the boy... especially not in his current condition. Even breathing still hurt a little.

But he wouldn't wait forever. An hour. That's how long the sessions were supposed to be. If Hisoka was gone any longer than that, then something was wrong, but he wasn't waiting anymore.

Day 26: Cafeteria, Lunch

Re: [[End of shift]]

Re: [[End of shift]]

Re: [[End of shift]]

Re: [[End of shift]]

Re: [[End of shift]]

Re: [[End of shift]]