damned_institute | Day 53: Sun Room, Morning

With breakfast finished and a new acquaintance made, the Scarecrow's mind turned to his other friends. The disappearance of Depth Charge's friend had brought back memories of how he'd felt when Kaiji went missing: helpless, useless, as though he should have and could have done something more to find him. If only he had his brain, then maybe he could have thought of something!

As much as he didn't like to admit it, it was unlikely his former roommate was still within the Institute's walls at this point, though the Scarecrow wouldn't know for sure unless Kaiji returned to visit him as Dorothy had, encouraging his supposed recovery. There was still the concern that Landel, despite his vile methods, was actually right and he was suffering from the delusion of having been a scarecrow in Oz. After all, that movie had been a pretty elaborate trick. Would he have planted it in town on purpose, knowing the Scarecrow would be taken there the night of the enchanted doors? And how could he guarantee that once he did find it, he'd take it and actually watch it? There was so much guesswork involved- it seemed the Wizard Landel either liked coincidences or he had more power on his side than any of the patients could have guessed.

The Scarecrow stopped by the bulletin board before heading for a seat, considering writing a note to his friends to check on them. He'd heard from Depth Charge, Remy, and Kibitoshin within a day's time, so he figured they were probably fine (as fine as Depth Charge could have been after last night, anyway). He'd seen Mele and Scar the day before. He put a finger to his head, thinking- he'd not heard from Abe or Sangamon in a day or so, but being professionals, they were probably very busy. Perhaps a note would be best for them.

[Kibby]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Breakfast was left untouched, but Yuuhi was left with more than enough food for thought. The nurse escorted him from the table, clicking her tongue at the uneaten food. His smile was brighter though, and the nurse didn't even seem to notice how empty it seemed. She led him to the Sun Room, which was already starting to get crowded.

"I know you're not feeling so well Robin, but it won't do you any good to hide in your room," she explained, eying the crowd for anyone she'd seen the patient with lately. "Look, there's Thomas and he doesn't have anyone to play with. You're friends, aren't you? Why don't you go say hello?"

"Oh- well- that's alright really. I had plans to go see my-" he started, glancing around for any stranger without a friend or playmate. Too slow, of course, as the nurse grabbed his wrist and pulled him in the proper direction. Before he could protest, she was already making introductions.

"Thomas, would you like to play with Robin today? He's not feeling very well and I think a friend would do him some good. Keep an eye on him and don't let him get into any arguments with Aiden," she said primly before turning on her heel, leaving Yuuhi to spend the shift with Touya.

"Morning," he greeted the other with a wave, taking note of, but saying nothing of the ring. Seemed several patients had one now, but it didn't look like Touya's had a jewel in it any longer. Not his business, he decided.

"How've you been?"

To say that Touya was surprised by Fai's sudden approach and seating was an understatement. And it all happened so fast that Touya was unable to protest or ask just what the nurse meant by arguments with Aiden. She was gone before Touya could open his mouth. Instead, he just watched the nurse go, his face a mix of surprise and disgruntlement.

"Good morning... I've been okay," Touya said cautiously. "Am I supposed to be playing something with you?"

The hasty seating didn't help much in garnering Touya's good favor. If he'd had his choice, he wouldn't spent the next few shifts sleeping in his room, but the nurses had other plans apparently. Touya at least, didn't seem to share Yue's cool demeanor and rapid fire questioning that'd made breakfast such a joy. Not that the attitudes might not change if Yue decided to share what he'd learned.

At Touya's question though, he shook his head, acting just as confused. In part, he was. The nurses seemed to know just who to pick for him to sit with to ensure his day was as stressful and difficult to hide from as possible.

"Not sure. Sometimes the nurses can be so adamant about playtime. Not that I mind a game once in a while," he shrugged, "but it looks like we're stuck with eachother for a bit. Might as well make the most of it. Do you know 20 questions? I spy? I'm thinking of something... grey."

Touya looked flatly at Fai, then down at his own shirt, then back up to Fai. "Do I have to specify who's shirt or pants it is?"

He smiled a little at his joke, even if it wasn't terribly funny. The constant gray was a little grating, he had to admit, but the situation was amusing. Playing 'I Spy' in this place was like handing someone a box of eight crayons and asking them to pick a color. There weren't many options.

"How are you doing?" he asked. "Still getting into trouble with 'Aiden' I guess?" Guy was a jerk, through and through.

Touya, at least, seemed to have a sense of humor about him. Yuuhi smiled in return, feeling a little more at ease.

"You must be psychic! You got it so fast," he snickered quietly behind his hand. As usual, he waved off the concern and today, for the most part, there were no obvious signs that he was lying. Eyes might be a bit more weary than before, but after his conversation with Yue this morning, Yuuhi was determined not to drag anyone else into his own troubles.

"Well as can be expected," he said with a nod. As far as Aiden was concerned though, things had never been quite as strained between them as they were now. This place had done some awful things to them both and for now, maybe a break was the right thing. "We've been having a little bit of trouble getting along is all. It's probably best we branch out and make new friends, anyway, right? I think Kurogane wants some time to himself for a bit."

Not that it was a subject he really cared to dwell on, though one wouldn't guess from the easy smile he forced upon his face, "How about you? No trouble with with Sakura or Yukito I hope!"

No trouble with Sakura...

"Yuki and I are doing alright," he said, realizing halfway through saying it that he meant his and Yuki's relationship was fine--though it didn't sound too horribly incriminating, thankfully.

"But Sakura... I don't know. I think there's something wrong with her," Touya sighed softly, eyes turned down. "Nights are so short when Yuki and I are around her, and she seems to sleep a lot. Like what happens to people when they might... disappear."

Not that he knew what to do about it, but Fai was her friend. He deserved to know.

If Yuuhi noticed anything odd about the way things were phrased, he didn't mention it. Syaoran had brought it up before that her brother and Yuki were close friends. It didn't strike him to pry any further than that. He just nodded amiably and wondered if that would still be the case if Yue and Yukito got another chance to speak with Touya about breakfast this morning.

Sakura was another matter though. His own princess hadn't been around for more than a day and night before she vanished, but he understood all too well what the signs were and what they might mean. Yuuhi's smile faded momentarily. If the doctor was keeping his Sakura hostage, who was to say he wouldn't do the same with the other? Or worse, if he couldn't experiment on one, perhaps-

He wanted to offer to help. Go visit her, check in... even if nothing could be done when and if they finally took her, at least they'd know they tried. But he'd told Yue he wouldn't get in their way anymore. He didn't need the doctor using any more of the people who were important to him as bait.

"Then I guess we ought to hurry and get to the bottom of things," he tried. There was little chance they would be able to free themselves and everyone here before the girl vanished or they themselves disappeared, but maybe it would give them some direction.

"I wish I could offer you better advice, but- I'll let you know if I find anything out." Another lie, but at least a well-intentioned one.

Day 53: Sun Room, Morning

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject