o01 ♘ audio

[bloodypawn]

[Cool, calm. He almost sounds relaxed, were it not for the light, methodical sound of bullets being continuously removed and inserted into a magazine. ]I'd like to know if anyone has come across an armory, or any shop that carries ammunition. Blanks are perfectly fine. I've explored a fair amount, but have yet to find anything. Additionally, if

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[trappedinresin]

[Somehow it doesn't surprise her. Though the hobby ties in a little too close to his work, she feels. It's probably half recreational half practice.]

You're already eerily too well of a shot. It's almost scary. Do you really think you'll become rusty?

[trappedinresin]

Mm. [She wonders if it'll be harder for them, considering they're not natives to the land.]

I suppose you're right.

[bloodypawn]

Until then, it's just more waiting. [Which is really getting old, by this point.]

[trappedinresin]

[A nod, though left unseen. Waiting is always hard. Although, she'll admit that it...hasn't been all, bad. Not here. She wonders, suddenly, how much he himself is likely itching to return home.]

Do you miss your friend, Takamiya-san?

[bloodypawn]

[That's not a question he expected at all. ]

Kaito's- [a beat, perhaps contemplative. It's not as if he doesn't remember the reasons why Kaito said he's working alongside him, now.] A colleague. My work partner. [A bit of a shrug colors his voice.]

Even if I missed him, it isn't as if I could do something about it.

[trappedinresin]

... [Can't you just say 'friend', Zero.] Must be strange having your partner also be your teacher. I have to admit though, Zero, I'm surprised you're still in school.

[bloodypawn]

[it's a difficult word... ]

Only because master and the headmaster kept bugging me to be. I have to now, though. [You know why.]

[trappedinresin]

Even though you're already so smart. But that's not a bad thing, Zero.

[Everyone should finish school.

Being a student I think should be part of the whole growing up process.

[bloodypawn]

If you want to think of it in that way.

I already have my career set. It doesn't matter.

[trappedinresin]

[Then maybe you could try to have some fun, Zero. Instead of sounding so somber over it all. Though she understands. The little of what she's seen, from the hunters, proves it's no easy career path.]

Just don't take it for granted. Over the past year in a half I know I missed it quite a bit. You never really realize until it's gone..

[bloodypawn]

... [He mulls over her response, thoughtful. If anything, he does know that feeling she speaks of, even if school is hardly what comes to mind. The statement has him recalling a conversation they had not too long ago.]

What did you even do? Besides being tutored.

[trappedinresin]

[Opening her mouth, it shuts only seconds later, no sound for a moment as silence stretches out. Of course, he means during the time she was confined to the manor. If she's honest, she's not really sure how to respond. The first several months there she can barely recall everything. Parts went by in a blur, despite that slow pace.

The discomfort is heard in her voice, an audible shrug.]

I don't know. I found ways to entertain myself. For months and months it was difficult adjusting to various things, so there was a lot of focus on that. [She's reluctant to go into much detail in regards to that, considering the nature of the problem. It's stupid, really...]

I read a lot. There's a giant library. Sometimes I would write letters. We couldn't send them out, but...sometimes just getting the chance to put into writing everything was enough.

[bloodypawn]

[The thing is, he doesn't need to question her silence and the cacophony of emotion it creates. When she does finally speak, there's enough in between the lines for him to get it, even if those few empty spots still remain. It has a tickle at the back of his throat, bitter, concerned even if he doesn't know how to say so; what is it that will fill that vacancy?

At the same time, there's no doubt to what she is implying when she speaks of adjusting. The thought of it both infuriates, yet twists his gut and tightens the vice about his heart. Even the time they have already spent together, here, doesn't quite fully ease what had come as a cold truth.]

I guess I can see the reason why you've been eager to go out and around Zodion, then. ...or to be allowed around on Association grounds.

[A slight pause before the latter. Speaking of home never does get them anywhere, does it.]

[trappedinresin]

[She gives a short laugh.]

That's much to the chagrin of most of your friends at the Association. Being the president's adoptive daughter carries some merit, though, still, even regardless of things.

[He's right though. She's grateful for such.]

But really, I think anyone would prefer to be allowed to wander than remain confined to a cell room. To be honest it feels a lot more comfortable, having left that place. The entire atmosphere was tangible and intimidating.

[bloodypawn]

[A subtle, wry grin touches his voice. "Friends," she says...]

You say this as though you think every single one of them is okay with me being there.

[Not that he takes much offense in regards to how the other hunters may feel about his presence there. It's a bit of a confession, really. The statement honest; outside of Kaito, Cross, Yagari, of course, and perhaps (tentatively) Jimbu, Zero could make a guessing game out of how many of the others trusted him and his stability.]

As it would, and should, for someone of your kind, Yuuki.

[There's no animosity within the statement. Only a fact.]

[trappedinresin]

Mm...

[She supposes he's right. Still, her reply is quiet, more mumbled to herself.]

That woman's presence... to think it could be so powerful.