Shotarou remains still. After a long moment, I realize he's forgotten to let us breathe. I instruct our lungs to do so, and W draws a sharp breath inward.//
"Shotarou," I begin, speaking externally for Eiji-san's benefit. He is part of this conversation. Potentially, the most important part.//
//"Philip." I echo my aibou, taking anchor from his voice, his steadiness. Why can't I be as steady as my devil? Why am I not yet strong enough to finish this ride we've started?
//...Because I never wanted it to end.
"Shotarou. I never wanted it to end, either," I murmur. I take his hand in mine - he's too numb to keep me from the physical controls - and W sits with its hands clasped, Shotarou and I holding on to each other.//
//"Hino." My voice is rough, hoarse. "He comes back. Did we..." I won't say "I." That would be a defeat in and of itself.
//"Did we say how much it was "him," for real?"
"Whoever you spoke with," I clarify, clenching Shotarou's hand tightly. "Did that source indicate that I was...recovered...in largely the same manner as I--"//
//No, that's not right.//
//We rephrase, and ask him together, our voice less recognizable as individually either of ours.//
//"Philip comes back? Philip, not Raito, not...the program. Philip?"//
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2012-05-27 08:36 am (UTC)"Shotarou," I begin, speaking externally for Eiji-san's benefit. He is part of this conversation. Potentially, the most important part.//
//"Philip." I echo my aibou, taking anchor from his voice, his steadiness. Why can't I be as steady as my devil? Why am I not yet strong enough to finish this ride we've started?
//...Because I never wanted it to end.
"Shotarou. I never wanted it to end, either," I murmur. I take his hand in mine - he's too numb to keep me from the physical controls - and W sits with its hands clasped, Shotarou and I holding on to each other.//
//"Hino." My voice is rough, hoarse. "He comes back. Did we..." I won't say "I." That would be a defeat in and of itself.
//"Did we say how much it was "him," for real?"
"Whoever you spoke with," I clarify, clenching Shotarou's hand tightly. "Did that source indicate that I was...recovered...in largely the same manner as I--"//
//No, that's not right.//
//We rephrase, and ask him together, our voice less recognizable as individually either of ours.//
//"Philip comes back? Philip, not Raito, not...the program. Philip?"//
//"...My Philip?"