[When Mizuki enters the parlor, he'll find that Beauty--Tamaki's sitting on the floor in front of a couch. He's not in his goodly cloaks and instead it's design jeans and a really nice t-shirt and socks. Why isn't he wearing shoes? Who cares. The stuffed toy is in his lap and he's busy playing with its paws, though upon hearing Mizuki walk in he immediately gets to his feet.]
Mizuki-san…[…still holding the dog, thanks. He doesn't quite know what to say though.]
[ oh, he's wearing normal clothes! And looking so dapper, too. They were expecting him to be down in the dumps - it's part of why they went to see him, if they're being honest with themself. They make their usual smile when they enter, gently closing the door behind them. ]
Hi, Tamaki-kun. [ Mizuki quietly walks over, pausing for a half-second before deciding to sit down on the floor next to him. ] I like the outfit. Except for this part.
[ they gesture at his frowning face, expression playful, but apologetic. ]
[On the floor then, and that's actually what gets Tamaki to look up and blink in surprise because someone like Mizuki-san shouldn't be on the floor? Then again, Tamaki doesn't exactly feel like getting up, so he settles down again and takes a few seconds to compose himself.]
Hm? [And then there's a grin, bordering on the edge of shy and apologetic and it's hard to say if it's real or if he's just trying to smile anyway because Mizuki asked.] Today...has been very hard. None of us were really quite sure what would happen if a god became vulnerable. I think I preferred not knowing...not to mention the other three. Four is still too many.
[ they nod with a small hum and a more somber demeanor. ]
It is too many. It's unacceptable.
[ and they're frustrated with themself for not being able to stop it, still - there must be some way they can make use of this power Tamaki's given them to keep people safe. They'll come up with something next week. Right now, they want to comfort Tamaki. ]
I had a feeling it might be like this after I spoke to her. [ and probably a while before that, too, when all the gods were so evasive about the consequences of losing all their followers. ] Did you know her well?
[He's busying himself with Mizuki's gift if only because it's easier to discuss this without looking directly at them. It's troubling and unsettling and it's a very firm reminder that he has a great chance of becoming vulnerable if he loses the support he currently has. He has to be a leader for his followers, but...perhaps they can both take a break today.]
Not as well as I'd have liked, and for that I'm ashamed. [He should have made more of an effort.] She was rather kind if a bit mysterious. I had hoped she would receive more support as weeks went on, or that she could gain new followers on defection day this week, but someone else had a different idea.
[There's a pause.] ...deep down I believe we all knew and perhaps we didn't want to believe it. When we set the rules for the game, it was said that gods could become vulnerable without their followers and thereby without their powers. Vulnerability puts us on the same level as all of you..it was all right there. We should have done something more to keep her safe.
[ it's a reminder to Mizuki, too. They sigh silently through their nose, looking off at their feet as Tamaki breaks his gaze. ]
It's easier to see what you should have done in hindsight. I've been there, too... thinking "if only I'd reached out more, maybe I could have done something." [ but Hisato was well and lost by the time they found out about him. ] You were preoccupied with keeping yourself safe, and so were the others. There's nothing wrong with that, either. The one you should be blaming is the one of you who decided to take this opportunity to remove her.
[ this week, they don't have any hints as to who that could have been. Maybe Tamaki does - but they won't get their hopes up that he could tell them, even so. ]
But is it fair to be preoccupied when the point is to learn how to rule together, even if we're to determine a winner? [He's thought about this.] When we put together the rules of this game, majority voted that circumstances such as these would be allowed. I wonder now if it would have been different if we fought back just a bit harder.
[A small sigh follows as Tamaki looks at his hands.] ...what did you do then, Mizuki-san? When something happened that you felt you could have prevented but didn't.
[ he's echoing the same thoughts Mizuki's had this entire time about the gods. If they'd just tried a little harder, couldn't they have stopped all of this from happening? Ironic, that he'd acknowledge that idea when Mizuki is trying to comfort him. They keep their mouth shut on it. ]
... I decided to make it right, no matter what, [ they answer, honestly. ] I focused all my energy on just saving him, at first. And when I failed, I decided to stop the people that took him from me. I've devoted everything to that cause.
[ their gaze rests on Tamaki again. ]
You couldn't save Fortune-kun, but you can save others from ending up like her. You just have to be willing to fight back. [ there's a bit of weight to those words, but they don't elaborate. Their resolve feels strengthened on the matter of their allegiance, though, and they continue: ] I'll fight back, too. I won't let that happen to you, Tamaki-kun.
[...it's a noble cause. He always knew that they were dedicated and had goals in sight, and that they were driven enough to achieve them. It was part of the reason Tamaki extended his hand to them, something he aspired to be in some cases but someone who could appreciate the finer things and learn to work with him.
With Mizuki facing him now, it's easy to see that he's actually genuinely upset. His expression's lost and he kind of looks like he wants to cry but knows better despite being a fairly emotional person as is.]
...I've been thinking that, perhaps, I've made a mistake in my thinking of how to approach this game. [And that hurts, too.] I don't want to hurt anyone or have you hurt anyone for our own gain, but...I've failed in several ways. I haven't been giving this my all like I said that I would. And with Fortune, any of us could be next. I worry that with only you acting on my behalf, someone will come to harm you. I refuse to let that happen.
[ it's kind of painful to hear him say that. He shouldn't have to dirty his hands for this more than he already has. ]
... You haven't made a mistake. If the world was a better place, then everyone here would think like you. That's what I believe. [ they pause, and laugh, just once. ] Even though I'm here as your game piece, you're this worried about keeping me safe, too.
[ gently, they reach a hand out to brush some of his hair from his face. ]
You've been working really hard. Doing your best, loving everyone, but refusing to compromise on your ideals... That's a precious part of who you are. [ a pause. ] I don't want you to change. What you have to do - let that be what I have to do.
[The words are nice to hear, and instead of pulling back or anything Tamaki very carefully leans into Mizuki's hand. The touch is appreciated, though the response doesn't come immediately.]
You deserve to be much more than a game piece. [It's a firm sentence, determined little frown etched into his features for the moment.] I...you've agreed to come, but that doesn't mean you must agree to abide entirely by my own wishes. I want you to work with me, not for me. We'll all come back in the end, but you've been brought into our quarrels without knowing the full history. It's not fair and I realize that now.
[He's a little highkey worried, it's fine.] ...my father once said that my idealistic sense and my sense of justice couldn't be applied to business. Even now I think he was wrong. [He looks up though, blue eyes wide and blinking in surprise.] I have a few questions for you. Will you answer?
[He still kind of looks like he would rather curl up and absolutely stop talking about this but also there are important things to discuss and he knows that.]
[ his acknowledgement of the unfairness of the game feels more comforting than they would have guessed. Most of the other gods have been defiant about the fact that they were tricked into coming here - perhaps not by lying directly, but through lies of omission. They never sought an apology or an understanding from Tamaki, but it feels nice to have it; they cup his cheek with a light, affectionate touch. ]
Flatterer. [ they parrot their words from their first meeting with quiet amusement. How many of the gods treat their underlings like this? They wonder. ] Go ahead.
[ his father, his life circumstances - they don't know anything about that, and they can't comment on it. It probably isn't suited for business, his way of thinking. But they want to protect it nonetheless. ]
MIZUKI IS VALID!! but also this is a mess and its fine
[Perhaps it says something that Tamaki easily lets Mizuki's hand support his face. He owes Mizuki nothing, really, given he's the god here, but it's a sign of trust that he's allowing this to happen and also a little bit of neediness on his part.
A smile flickers over his lips for a moment because yes, he's fine with that word, but at least there's an agreement as well.] ...after what happened, will you be keeping Eye of the Beholder?
I didn't have any plans to change it. The other two abilities don't seem as practical. "Hamartia" is too unpredictable, and "Above Suspicion" would only be useful if I knew who the other member of our faction was... or, alternatively, if I was a suspect that week.
[ but Mizuki doesn't have any plans to kill anyone. They stroke their thumb across his cheek fondly, then take their hand back, looping their arms around their knees. ]
I still believe there are ways to make Eye of the Beholder useful.
[ they're just not as wholesome... and they know that Tamaki would need to approve of their ideas before they enact them. ]
[Nooo Mizuki come back. But Tamaki pulls away and considers that, mirroring the stance and leaving the stuffed puppy in his lap.]
I do think I should have thought my powers through a little more. Though the Eye is the most useful...and I think now that the game is reaching the latter half, I'm willing to consider other uses. Such as catching people who have wronged us.
[Like trying to catch Fortune's killer? That's something.] I believe there's a way to use it more assertively without being aggressive. But it will require you to be honest with your intentions going forward.
[ they actually look faintly guilty at that comment, but they nod along nonetheless. ]
I trust you more than I did back then, you know. That won't happen again.
[ and they mean it, they think. They can't really imagine going around his back a second time, even if it would be the most convenient and efficient way of reaching their goal -- they're sure they could find some other method that didn't involve hurting him. It kind of startles them to realize it. They care a lot about this boy and his big heart. ]
But... for example, it would be possible for me to use it to check what someone did last night. If I had an inkling of who might have been responsible, I could have them write out exactly what they were doing. The problem would be delivering it to me discreetly... That was the source of the issue last time, too. [ hmm. ] Could they leave the paper as an offering to you afterwards? -- No, that might put you in danger directly...
I could understand if you did, but I will admit that makes me happy to hear. [More than happy, and he smiles at them just enough to express his gratitude. The last thing he wants is for Mizuki to act without saying so, and doing something that may hurt them in the end. Mizuki is his to watch over despite them being able to take care of themselves. It's just something to cherish and keep for himself.]
...it's a good idea, but perhaps it should be somewhere more discreet such as taping it to their statue in the courtyard? They're rather large. You could easily hide something there that only you could find later. But you've got the right idea.
Mm... My only concern is that the person would go back and get rid of the evidence themselves later. I'll have to be quick going to retrieve it.
[ even if the idea planted is one they think they came up with on their own, Mizuki feels like there's still a lot left to chance. ]
I'll see how things go tomorrow. After that, we can decide how to proceed.
[ if only sib tagged faster, mizuki could have tried to solve last week's murder, but alas!! here we are. ]
... Well, I didn't come here to stress you out more thinking about things like that, though. [ they look over at him with a little smile. ] I wanted to make sure you were okay. That, and I wanted to tell you that won't be happening to you. I can't speak for my mysterious partner, but I'm planning on sticking with you until the end, Tamaki-kun.
Speak to others this weekend in the trial…look for tells of people you wish to investigate further, and we may be able to find a way to use the ability. Secrets only stay secret for so long, Mizuki-san. I'm confident in your skills that you'll find a way to make use of this.
[…but yeah. His expression shifts from surprise to relief and there are tears in his eyes again? Lord.] …thank you. Though my heart is burdened, it's a little less with Mizuki-san at my side.
[Shut up, Tamaki. But…] What about your wish though? If we don't win somehow?
[ that smile becomes a little softer, and they reach out again, a little hesitantly, to brush away those tears with a knuckle. ]
Are you worried about me? [ Mizuki laughs, a little bitterly. If he really cared about their wish, then why did he bring them here at all? No, they shouldn't think like that... ] ... After this is over, I'll be going back where I came from, right? I can still fulfill my wish on my own.
[ it will probably cost them their life, and 8 others, too, but their resolution hasn't wavered in the least. ]
[Thanks for that.] Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?
[Still, even Tamaki's not short-sighted enough to see how bad this looks. He works on composing himself again, remembering that he's in a power position as a god and should maybe be a little more mature about this.] Even so...doing so on your own sounds complicated. I would like to make that easier on you as you deserve.
[Also that would be a lot of dead people and he likes them too much to let himself think of that sort of risk.] You'll all return as you were, yes. Right in the same place, right at the same time. That doesn't mean there isn't time for a strategic outcome...but I've never been the one to execute plans correctly. That was always Kyoya.
[Another name, it seems.] I'll be watching the trial myself. Between the two of us, perhaps we can figure something out for early in the week.
[ he might be a god, but they still want to take care of him, too... when he looks like this, it's easy to forget he's got any kind of power. That was the reason for the masks and everything else, they suppose.
It would certainly be easier to have their lifelong problem fixed with a metaphorical wave of a magic wand. They're still not sure they really believe this can stop the broadcasts. It's too convenient - too fantastical. Maybe that's why they haven't been as desperate as they should. They nod. ]
I had plans of my own. Honestly, this almost feels like cheating, after all the hard work I put in. [ finding a rank in the company, being allowed to chase this case personally and put themself in as an agent -- it wasn't easy. ] But that's the spirit. You don't need to come up with a plan on your own. I'm with you, remember?
Hard work should be acknowledged all the same, you know. I would never take that away from you, even if your focus of where the work should lie has changed since being here. [Working to get out of this game versus working on the broadcast at home, he means. It's commendable.] I know you are...truthfully, I would be lost without you. So thank you for staying even if we're in the middle of the ranks right now.
I promise you I'll do what I can to change that. [Determination!] We have time. That's all we need.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WEEK 3, FRIDAY
Mizuki-san…[…still holding the dog, thanks. He doesn't quite know what to say though.]
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Hi, Tamaki-kun. [ Mizuki quietly walks over, pausing for a half-second before deciding to sit down on the floor next to him. ] I like the outfit. Except for this part.
[ they gesture at his frowning face, expression playful, but apologetic. ]
... I'm sorry about what happened.
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Hm? [And then there's a grin, bordering on the edge of shy and apologetic and it's hard to say if it's real or if he's just trying to smile anyway because Mizuki asked.] Today...has been very hard. None of us were really quite sure what would happen if a god became vulnerable. I think I preferred not knowing...not to mention the other three. Four is still too many.
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It is too many. It's unacceptable.
[ and they're frustrated with themself for not being able to stop it, still - there must be some way they can make use of this power Tamaki's given them to keep people safe. They'll come up with something next week. Right now, they want to comfort Tamaki. ]
I had a feeling it might be like this after I spoke to her. [ and probably a while before that, too, when all the gods were so evasive about the consequences of losing all their followers. ] Did you know her well?
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Not as well as I'd have liked, and for that I'm ashamed. [He should have made more of an effort.] She was rather kind if a bit mysterious. I had hoped she would receive more support as weeks went on, or that she could gain new followers on defection day this week, but someone else had a different idea.
[There's a pause.] ...deep down I believe we all knew and perhaps we didn't want to believe it. When we set the rules for the game, it was said that gods could become vulnerable without their followers and thereby without their powers. Vulnerability puts us on the same level as all of you..it was all right there. We should have done something more to keep her safe.
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It's easier to see what you should have done in hindsight. I've been there, too... thinking "if only I'd reached out more, maybe I could have done something." [ but Hisato was well and lost by the time they found out about him. ] You were preoccupied with keeping yourself safe, and so were the others. There's nothing wrong with that, either. The one you should be blaming is the one of you who decided to take this opportunity to remove her.
[ this week, they don't have any hints as to who that could have been. Maybe Tamaki does - but they won't get their hopes up that he could tell them, even so. ]
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[A small sigh follows as Tamaki looks at his hands.] ...what did you do then, Mizuki-san? When something happened that you felt you could have prevented but didn't.
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... I decided to make it right, no matter what, [ they answer, honestly. ] I focused all my energy on just saving him, at first. And when I failed, I decided to stop the people that took him from me. I've devoted everything to that cause.
[ their gaze rests on Tamaki again. ]
You couldn't save Fortune-kun, but you can save others from ending up like her. You just have to be willing to fight back. [ there's a bit of weight to those words, but they don't elaborate. Their resolve feels strengthened on the matter of their allegiance, though, and they continue: ] I'll fight back, too. I won't let that happen to you, Tamaki-kun.
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With Mizuki facing him now, it's easy to see that he's actually genuinely upset. His expression's lost and he kind of looks like he wants to cry but knows better despite being a fairly emotional person as is.]
...I've been thinking that, perhaps, I've made a mistake in my thinking of how to approach this game. [And that hurts, too.] I don't want to hurt anyone or have you hurt anyone for our own gain, but...I've failed in several ways. I haven't been giving this my all like I said that I would. And with Fortune, any of us could be next. I worry that with only you acting on my behalf, someone will come to harm you. I refuse to let that happen.
[...so?] But I'm not sure what to do yet.
mizuki is a bad influence smh
... You haven't made a mistake. If the world was a better place, then everyone here would think like you. That's what I believe. [ they pause, and laugh, just once. ] Even though I'm here as your game piece, you're this worried about keeping me safe, too.
[ gently, they reach a hand out to brush some of his hair from his face. ]
You've been working really hard. Doing your best, loving everyone, but refusing to compromise on your ideals... That's a precious part of who you are. [ a pause. ] I don't want you to change. What you have to do - let that be what I have to do.
no mizuki is perfect =\
You deserve to be much more than a game piece. [It's a firm sentence, determined little frown etched into his features for the moment.] I...you've agreed to come, but that doesn't mean you must agree to abide entirely by my own wishes. I want you to work with me, not for me. We'll all come back in the end, but you've been brought into our quarrels without knowing the full history. It's not fair and I realize that now.
[He's a little highkey worried, it's fine.] ...my father once said that my idealistic sense and my sense of justice couldn't be applied to business. Even now I think he was wrong. [He looks up though, blue eyes wide and blinking in surprise.] I have a few questions for you. Will you answer?
[He still kind of looks like he would rather curl up and absolutely stop talking about this but also there are important things to discuss and he knows that.]
TURNING THE YOUTHS TO VIOLENCE!!
Flatterer. [ they parrot their words from their first meeting with quiet amusement. How many of the gods treat their underlings like this? They wonder. ] Go ahead.
[ his father, his life circumstances - they don't know anything about that, and they can't comment on it. It probably isn't suited for business, his way of thinking. But they want to protect it nonetheless. ]
MIZUKI IS VALID!! but also this is a mess and its fine
A smile flickers over his lips for a moment because yes, he's fine with that word, but at least there's an agreement as well.] ...after what happened, will you be keeping Eye of the Beholder?
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[ but Mizuki doesn't have any plans to kill anyone. They stroke their thumb across his cheek fondly, then take their hand back, looping their arms around their knees. ]
I still believe there are ways to make Eye of the Beholder useful.
[ they're just not as wholesome... and they know that Tamaki would need to approve of their ideas before they enact them. ]
But if you have a new idea, I want to hear it.
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I do think I should have thought my powers through a little more. Though the Eye is the most useful...and I think now that the game is reaching the latter half, I'm willing to consider other uses. Such as catching people who have wronged us.
[Like trying to catch Fortune's killer? That's something.] I believe there's a way to use it more assertively without being aggressive. But it will require you to be honest with your intentions going forward.
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I trust you more than I did back then, you know. That won't happen again.
[ and they mean it, they think. They can't really imagine going around his back a second time, even if it would be the most convenient and efficient way of reaching their goal -- they're sure they could find some other method that didn't involve hurting him. It kind of startles them to realize it. They care a lot about this boy and his big heart. ]
But... for example, it would be possible for me to use it to check what someone did last night. If I had an inkling of who might have been responsible, I could have them write out exactly what they were doing. The problem would be delivering it to me discreetly... That was the source of the issue last time, too. [ hmm. ] Could they leave the paper as an offering to you afterwards? -- No, that might put you in danger directly...
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...it's a good idea, but perhaps it should be somewhere more discreet such as taping it to their statue in the courtyard? They're rather large. You could easily hide something there that only you could find later. But you've got the right idea.
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[ even if the idea planted is one they think they came up with on their own, Mizuki feels like there's still a lot left to chance. ]
I'll see how things go tomorrow. After that, we can decide how to proceed.
[ if only sib tagged faster, mizuki could have tried to solve last week's murder, but alas!! here we are. ]
... Well, I didn't come here to stress you out more thinking about things like that, though. [ they look over at him with a little smile. ] I wanted to make sure you were okay. That, and I wanted to tell you that won't be happening to you. I can't speak for my mysterious partner, but I'm planning on sticking with you until the end, Tamaki-kun.
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[…but yeah. His expression shifts from surprise to relief and there are tears in his eyes again? Lord.] …thank you. Though my heart is burdened, it's a little less with Mizuki-san at my side.
[Shut up, Tamaki. But…] What about your wish though? If we don't win somehow?
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Are you worried about me? [ Mizuki laughs, a little bitterly. If he really cared about their wish, then why did he bring them here at all? No, they shouldn't think like that... ] ... After this is over, I'll be going back where I came from, right? I can still fulfill my wish on my own.
[ it will probably cost them their life, and 8 others, too, but their resolution hasn't wavered in the least. ]
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[Still, even Tamaki's not short-sighted enough to see how bad this looks. He works on composing himself again, remembering that he's in a power position as a god and should maybe be a little more mature about this.] Even so...doing so on your own sounds complicated. I would like to make that easier on you as you deserve.
[Also that would be a lot of dead people and he likes them too much to let himself think of that sort of risk.] You'll all return as you were, yes. Right in the same place, right at the same time. That doesn't mean there isn't time for a strategic outcome...but I've never been the one to execute plans correctly. That was always Kyoya.
[Another name, it seems.] I'll be watching the trial myself. Between the two of us, perhaps we can figure something out for early in the week.
I CANT TAKE THOSE ICONS SERIOUSLY
It would certainly be easier to have their lifelong problem fixed with a metaphorical wave of a magic wand. They're still not sure they really believe this can stop the broadcasts. It's too convenient - too fantastical. Maybe that's why they haven't been as desperate as they should. They nod. ]
I had plans of my own. Honestly, this almost feels like cheating, after all the hard work I put in. [ finding a rank in the company, being allowed to chase this case personally and put themself in as an agent -- it wasn't easy. ] But that's the spirit. You don't need to come up with a plan on your own. I'm with you, remember?
my life is suffering sib
Hard work should be acknowledged all the same, you know. I would never take that away from you, even if your focus of where the work should lie has changed since being here. [Working to get out of this game versus working on the broadcast at home, he means. It's commendable.] I know you are...truthfully, I would be lost without you. So thank you for staying even if we're in the middle of the ranks right now.
I promise you I'll do what I can to change that. [Determination!] We have time. That's all we need.