AUDIENCE FOR: Tsurumaru

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...you can't. So long as people still need you, it's something you must continue to do.

[which is an appropriate time for stardust again! and tsurumaru sees...something.

You walk for a while, and you don’t even know where you’re going. Does it matter? You’re together. It’s always been the two of you, even before it was the three of you. And so it doesn’t surprise you when he speaks again.

“I always figured I was better at stuff than you. Are you mad?”

You shrug. “No. I kinda always thought you were better at everything, too.”

There isn’t any room for argument then as you see a light ahead. You respect his wishes to set him down, and the two of you make your way toward the water. You think he’s behind you, and so you idly comment that maybe the two of you are the same. It isn’t until there’s no reply you realize he’s collapsed.

You run. But then you sit down in the sand side by side and watch the waves.

“…if the world is made of light and darkness…we’ll be the darkness.” You hum in your agreement. At least the other side of things is safe. You think that maybe…it wouldn’t be so bad. Being here. Knowing you accomplished something. Knowing you still aren’t alone even if you’re here.

He eventually requests to go to the water, and soon you feel the cool ocean lapping at your feet.

“…to tell you the truth, I was jealous of you. I wished I could live life the way you do. Just…”

You idly think that your best friend is, actually, kind of an idiot.

“Yeah, well, I’ve got my share of problems, too. Like…wanting to be like you.”

His answer surprises you. The advantage of being him…is having you for a friend? After all this time…but no. It does make sense, doesn’t it? After all…

“I’m okay the way I am. I’ve got something you could never imitate, too.”

A comfortable silence settles over you both. The dark sky wraps around you, the sea breeze over your skin and you think that this is it. If this is what the darkness means…you think you can handle it together.

you can never stop even if it's hard.]

[preowned]

[ there's a long pause after the memory ends, until he finally lets out a soft laugh. ]

You must be happy to have such a good friend, then.

[ it seems more intrusive than usual to see that, compared to some other memories. ]

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[. . .

ah...there's a moment of silence as they think of what to say.]

...we've been friends since we were very young. I don't think I would be the same person without him.

[preowned]

... I hope he is safe.

But I am glad you have good people around you.

[guestservices]

I'm sure he's fine. [they straighten up a bit.] He's quite capable of taking care of himself, even if he can be infuriating at times.

[preowned]

Oh, I know the type.

Do you sometimes get into fights?

[guestservices]

Less, now. But we did have several years where I suppose you could say we were...rivals.

[preowned]

Ah, friendship...

Who won more?

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[WHY.]


...he did. But--[...there actually is no argument, hm.]

In the end, I suppose I helped him win on occasion.

[preowned]

... good.

I hope you can see him again soon.

[guestservices]

[...well.]

If I do, it won't be for some time. But I already knew that before I left. Perhaps someday though.

[preowned]

[ hmmm ]

Were you in the middle of something?

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No. I believe everything is over and we're all where we were meant to be for the time being.

[preowned]

... well. As long as you are happy.

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I am satisfied with everything.

[. . .

back to business.]

I do hope you don't find yourself in the dirt again, Mister Kuninaga.

[preowned]

... I will do my best, Gemini.

My luck cannot be that bad.

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You don't think that perhaps you will jinx yourself by saying so?

[preowned]

[ .... ]

N... no...

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...yes, well. They do say third time is the charm.

[congrats on not being in the dirt on account of not being dead ig.]

[preowned]

I have no idea how I lasted this long but it might be the lack of general outdoors for the most part.

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I cannot say I'm not glad for it, at least.

[preowned]

... me too!

I wish it was the same for those who have passed, but I do appreciate the time I get to spend.

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I think...it's important to remember and honor those who are gone, but we also cannot linger for too long before we must be grateful for the people who have survived. But I'm sure I'm not telling you anything that you know.

[preowned]

I think it's a good reminder for people here. Especially somewhere like this.

[guestservices]

I've a feeling hearing it from people like us is different than hearing it from someone like you.