CONTACT | Call me, maybe

[intercalaryninja]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, HAZYREFLECTION FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 011.04.151.01 *** HAZYREFLECTION has joined 011.04.151.01 <HAZYREFLECTION> Only contact me if it is necessary. <HAZYREFLECTION> Report to me immediately if it's regarding Reira-dono. <HAZYREFLECTION> I will be checking this nightly when possible.

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[blurspot]

[There is a nod. Even if Tsukikage had tried, it would never have worked. Only Reira could break this card. And if the ninja had attacked it would be a surefire way to drive the boy into the arcade for more than enough time to make that card the strongest tool in the world.

In Reira's eyes, it was their fight.

It was absolutely their fight.] ...Because Ilia doesn't lie. ...and he promised...and...

[And tears are dotting his eyes as he speaks.] ...Before you came here... ...when the fog came, everything hurt.

...I couldn't close my mouth... ...and I felt more hungry... [He is breathing, if Tsukikage listens. Breath is needed to speak of course, but he is beginning to breathe faster and faster as he talks.]

I thought... [Swallow. Gasp-] ...I thought I saw a deer... ...but when I looked again, and...

...And after I swallowed..!

[...It was man.] ...After that though...

...I haven't turned into that. I don't make mistakes like that...and when the fog comes, I don't feel heavy...

...He kept his promise. ...He said...he said he'd keep me safe, and he kept his promise..!

[intercalaryninja]

[Tsukikage hugs him tightly. He listens. He understands. The fog must have an additional effect on monsters who've finished becoming what they are... and he can't imagine the pain Reira must feel after that.]

Be calm, Reira. I'm not mad... You don't have to think of such things anymore.

. . .

He kept his promise, and you stayed because of it. That's all there is to it. It's a good reason.

[blurspot]

But I kept it secret. [He sniffs, and shakes his head.] I...

I lied... ..even after I did that to you...

[intercalaryninja]

We all have secrets. You had a good reason to keep it from Kurt and myself... There's no reason to worry about it.

[He affirms it quietly to himself too, before he pats the boy's head.]

It was going to happen one way or another. It helped in the end...

[He was about to say 'he didn't mind it', but he really did, so he stops himself.]

[blurspot]

...I...

...I never got to tell him.

...Kurosaki said not getting rid of it was worse, because... Because I didn't tell you. ...And now it's too late...

[There is silence. And he feels Tsukikage's hand between his antlers, the boy driven to launch himself for a hug once again.] I...

I'm sorry, Tsukikage..! I'm really...more than anything..! I'm sorry...

[intercalaryninja]

[He supposed Kurosaki was right, but he lets Reira hug him and he hugs back, leaning into the boy's embrace. He strokes his head, speaking softly still.]

It's alright, Reira-dono. I know you are... I forgive you.

[And though hurt, he'd be sure Kurt would as well.]

[soft_focus]

[He does not say anything-not anymore. For a while there is simply silent trembling against the arachne's form, breathless tears staining his clothes. Eventually though, he stops moving altogether-eyes closed, body limp...

Sleep, as it seems, has claimed him at last, and he slumps against the other's form.]

[intercalaryninja]

[Tsukikage smiles once the boy is finally asleep and he holds him close. After a moment, he picks Reira up, slowly and carefully walking towards the boy's bedroom and tucking him in. Tomorrow would be the start of a new day... he'd have to prepare for it one way or another.]

I promise... I'll protect you for as long as I can. [He murmurs, pulling the blanket up, and putting both teddies securely in Reira's arms.]