(houseki no kuni spoilers)

[globs]

[ There's a lot to process.

They think that more has happened today, and this past month or so, than has ever happened before in their entire existence - all 1000 years of it. Phos's return. Phos's plea. Phos's destruction. The words that mint-green gem carved into their chest all those summers ago never seemed more false and far away than they did when Cinnabar held a wooden box full of shards from their face in their hands, their gloves pulled carefully, gingerly tight so as not to hurt them even more. Cinnabar hadn't believed them. But Cinnabar had never wanted to believe someone more in their whole life. Now that belief is literally in pieces, and as they finish covering the tiny coffin with sand, they feel the last shreds of their hope for better, special, more fun buried with it.

Normally, at times like this, they're sure they'd go sit by themselves in their cave. Maybe poison would leak from their eyes, as it often does during times of stress. But that part of their life has changed, too. Now they're back at the school, instead, going to see their partner - something they never thought they'd ever have. And they certainly never would have imagined that partner would be Bort. They feel a familiar pang of guilt seeing their short-cut hair, but say nothing. They know Bort doesn't want to hear any more apologies from them. ]

... It's finished.

[ they don't meet Bort's eyes, nor do they stand particularly close - it's still hard for them - but there's no mistaking they're addressing their junior gem. ]

Comments

me: arrives w starbucks

[sleptwalk]

[ Feelings are something they don't give much thought to out of what's necessary - the most important thing to Bort is doing their job and doing it well. But, absolutely, they miss the camaraderie they shared with the gems that left, Diamond, even Phos. Being a unit for so long tends to do that to you.. And at the same time, it's very simple for them to twist those very same feelings into fodder for motivation.

In their eyes, there is no sympathy for traitors. They know what they have done, consciously, and will face repercussions one way or another. Which is why they nod, something small, but firm. They don't disagree with that - it's exactly what they've been thinking this entire time. There must be some ulterior motive to all this.

Bort begins to walk ahead of Cinnabar, pace slow enough for them to catch onto what they want to do. And if that isn't enough, they tilt their head back towards their partner, a pointed look sent in their direction before the click of their shoes against the ground becomes stronger. ]

It was not an accident that Phos came down here, alone. [ That's why it feels strange. What with Phos pulling this stunt, allowing them the perfect chance to seal them away.. They narrow their eyes in thought. ] That means we should use this opportunity to prepare.

[ Just like how the Lunarians and the other gems, up on the moon, are doing. Cinnabar does make a point, they may not return immediately, but it is a certainty. If they thought Phos valuable, they'll surely want them back. Although that brings them to their next question, and their reminder of their offer to train Cinnabar (so they can take after Bort's ruthless ways on the field) - ]

Have you given thought to what I suggested?

[ They question, a slight quirk to their brow. ]

o shit!!

[globs]

[ of course Cinnabar catches on. It's still strange, to have someone walk away from them and expect them to follow. Bort was the only one that treated them this way; the others are beginning to expect Cinnabar to tag along with group tasks now, too, but it remains a feeling they mostly associate with Bort. After a moment or two, they begin to trail after them, remaining a few steps behind, as usual.

They should absolutely be preparing. There's not a chance that this is the end of things, even if it may be the end of Phos. That feeling returns, a tightness like the silver poison inside them is going to shatter their skin and overflow -- Cinnabar swallows it down and forces themself to think about Bort's words, instead. Work. Hard work is exactly what they need- just as Sensei always taught. ]

... I'm thinking about it. [ their eyes are off to the side again. ] Everyone knows I'm too weak to even hold a sword. There's probably nothing even you can do for me.

[ rather than biting, their tone is ashamed. ]

[sleptwalk]

[ It's hard to tell at any given time, all considering Bort's lack of expression, but they're satisfied when they hear the steps of Cinnabar following behind them. They keep their head forward, considering their own response with care as they listen to what's being told to them. Their satisfaction ebbs away in favor of more creasing to their brows - ]

With that way of thinking, you won't be able to retain anything. [ It's certainly not harsh, the words that leave their mouth, but contemplative.

Some part of them wants to maintain that with hard work and persistence, anything is possible. And if Bort can see, plain as day, the potential they have on some level, it should be simple for them to see it. But they've learned that isolation has made Cinnabar different, and as their partner, it's up to them to help them acclimate to everything here.

It'd be cruel for them not to, and as much as they don't want to push Cinnabar too much, leaving them defenseless is not something they wish to do, either. As understanding as they are to their situation, there are external factors they have to consider - the Lunarians, and Cinnabar's own demeanor, for one. ]

I won't ask you to do anything I think you can't already accomplish by yourself.