savetheearth | Computer; Video/Audio

[The video opens up with Souji leaning back in his chair, Cheshire-cat grin in place. It's broken briefly by a mild coughing fit that he quickly waves away before speaking]

Summer's started, but already I'm getting bored. Not bored enough to want to take summer classes like a certain over-achiever I can think of, but. Bored. Isn't anyone having a party or a road trip any time soon?

There was something about families being targeted too, right? Who else's families have had trouble? I should probably warn-- [There's a minor commotion in another room and Souji look up quickly, expression becoming aggravated.] Speak of the fucking devil. [He hits something on the computer and the screen goes off, but the audio is still heard clearly.]

What are you doing here?

That's now way to talk to your sister! Your exams and stuff are over aren't they? Why didn't you come visit?

[A pause] I didn't think you'd want me to.

Wha-- Souji, why wouldn't I? [There's silence. It stretches on until it gets awkward and Mitsu continues, grasping for a subject] How were your grades?

[Souji makes a soft 'heh' sound] Figured. Fine. I got all As, one B. [His tone darkens] Don't give me that look.

What look? I'm not giving you a look. I'm just-- Have you decided what to do yet? You know, Hajime's on his way to being a doctor, wouldn't that be nice? You're smart enough for that.

I know what Hajime's doing. I live right next to him. I'm not gonna be a doctor. [Actually, speaking off-- Souji coughs a little again] No, don't worry-- Knock it off! [it comes out harsher then he must've intended because there's a soft noise] ...I didn't mean-- Look, I need to talk to you about something anyway.

Is this about money again?

No. Well, yes I guess kind of, but I-

That's the only reason you ever get in touch with me. I came over here because I was worried about you, but you don't care about anything else, do you? [She sounds disappointed, upset] You've always been like this, you're so-- You're so selfish! You have a job, I shouldn't have to keep throwing money at you like this!

That's not what I-- I can pay the bills, I just need--

Can you? Fine, then I'm not paying for it anymore! God, Souji just... Why do you make everything so hard? Ever since you were little you've fought me and fought everyone and you won't listen to anyone! What are you even going to do with your life? Why are you in college in the first place if you're not going to do anything? I can't keep paying for classes like this!

[There's a repressed cough, but otherwise silence for a moment before Souji chuckles bitterly.] Yeah. You're right, I'm pretty useless. Why the fuck should anyone bother with a lost cause right?

All you ever do is hurt people, even people who try to help you! I'm at the end of my rope with you! Why can't you be more like Hajime, or--or anyone else? [Her desperate outcry speaks volumes of what living with Souji must have been like growing up.]

Just leave, Mitsu. [The rest of the conversation is muffled and there's the sound of the door slamming. Then the coughing begins.

It's a terrible, wet coughing that goes on for minutes, breathing difficult, harsh, and getting louder as Souji makes his way back to the computer and sits down again. Eventually the coughing subsides and the video is brought back on as Souji wipes his mouth, the side of his hand slightly red as he pulls it away-- or is it a trick of the light?

If he noticed the audio was on, he says nothing. His eyes look strange, sharp and empty] I take it back. Let 'em have her. [The video turns off.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Right as rain! His laughter is painfully forced] Why wouldn't I be? Jeez.

Oh, um...

I'm sorry. That just didn't sound very good.

[ A pause. ]

It's okay to not be okay, sometimes.

[ Even though that's advice she never follows herself because she's a Big Hypocrite, other people shouldn't have to carry so much on their shoulders. ]

[There's silence for a moment. There are plenty of ways he could respond to this; he could break down and confess... but that wasn't his style. He could push it aside and try to flirt with her, but he can't gather the energy for it.]

It's not like I can do anything about it. Getting upset won't change anything so why bother.

The situation might not change, no... but bottling up how you feel, that must hurt.

I'm sorry. I don't want to tell you what to do or anything. How you feel, though... that is important.

I don't have feelings; I just exist to fuck up everyone else, didn't you hear?

Eavesdropping is a pretty terrible thing, you know. I'm pretty sure it's a sin or something. [Even if it's his fault it was public in the first place but what is taking responsibility for his actions when he can just drive away anyone who tries to help him??]

[ Does the bible say anything about eavesdropping?? Dang, she can't remember, but even so, she does know it's rude and feels bad. But she also doesn't think that's true - that he exists for that reason. And he had started off because he had seemed concerned about things. ]

Um, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, it just kind of came up on my phone...

But I don't think that's true. Er, not the sin part, that I can't remember right now, the first part. I don't believe that.

[...He can't help but start laughing. He doesn't even know what it is; it's not that terribly funny, but once the chuckling starts it ends in full-on laughter. He can barely breathe, but as he gets himself under control, the laughter tapering off to:]

You're cute.

[WHEN IN DOUBT, DISTRACT BY FLIRTING]

[ Ah... she's not really sure how to take that laughter. She listens quietly, twiddling her thumbs a little, until he speaks again. ]

I... um, thank you.

[ ???? ??? /????// ]

You... too?

[ She doesn't even know what to say to that, and it's kind of unrelated. When in doubt compliment back?? ]

... I hope you feel better soon.

[This just makes him laugh again. Why try and fix the problem at hand when you can deflect and do stupid shit to take your mind off it instead??]

What's your name?

[ Is she saying something funny? She must be... he keeps laughing. ]

Colette.

Souji. But you probably already knew that from listening in.

I'll keep that name in mind, cutie. See you around.

Oh, okay! Uh, see you around!!

[ ???//?/d//ewqe ]