Unable to push back the feeling that he'd signed his own execution order, Homura smiled at Nataku's enthusiasm all the same. Seeing the boy's cheer again was more than welcome, especially after he'd faced the spiritless version of him in M22. So if it took some of his dignity to regain that happiness, Homura would simply have to suffer some.
The mysterious friend did indeed sound like someone who Homura wanted to meet, and perhaps even recruit for their purpose. Certainly whoever it was had made a strong impression, if Nataku was so fond of him after only a day. But before they could go into it further, the sound of footsteps came from below. Homura's hand drifted to the knife at his side, and he spoke softly to Nataku as he waited for their company. "Find me at lunch, then."
As it turned out, there was no need for the caution. A familiar whine caused Homura to relax again, and even let out a short laugh--at least until he also noticed Okita's company. But even seeing Ayu didn't cause Homura's smile to vanish completely, at least for the moment. "Nothing, really. Dealing with our Weaver was a bit more difficult than I expected. So on the 'advice' of my predecessor, I'm resting." Homura motioned towards Nataku with a hand, then to Okita. "Nataku, this is Okita. On the board, he's the one called Kaneyoshi."
"As for the woman he's with--well. Perhaps it would be simpler if she introduced herself." And now Homura's eyes narrowed, focusing on Ayumu as she cowered. He knew, of course, that it was a feint, but that didn't mean he would hide his own ire at her presence. "And also explained just why she's here at all. Your target hasn't traveled up these stairs that I am aware of."
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The mysterious friend did indeed sound like someone who Homura wanted to meet, and perhaps even recruit for their purpose. Certainly whoever it was had made a strong impression, if Nataku was so fond of him after only a day. But before they could go into it further, the sound of footsteps came from below. Homura's hand drifted to the knife at his side, and he spoke softly to Nataku as he waited for their company. "Find me at lunch, then."
As it turned out, there was no need for the caution. A familiar whine caused Homura to relax again, and even let out a short laugh--at least until he also noticed Okita's company. But even seeing Ayu didn't cause Homura's smile to vanish completely, at least for the moment. "Nothing, really. Dealing with our Weaver was a bit more difficult than I expected. So on the 'advice' of my predecessor, I'm resting." Homura motioned towards Nataku with a hand, then to Okita. "Nataku, this is Okita. On the board, he's the one called Kaneyoshi."
"As for the woman he's with--well. Perhaps it would be simpler if she introduced herself." And now Homura's eyes narrowed, focusing on Ayumu as she cowered. He knew, of course, that it was a feint, but that didn't mean he would hide his own ire at her presence. "And also explained just why she's here at all. Your target hasn't traveled up these stairs that I am aware of."