probe | Audience: Ashiya Douman

But of course. It must be shown to the world at large.

[A light laugh.]

I do hope you're showing off mine. Though its nowhere near as artistic.

[he tugs the collar of his robe aside to show that the bite mark is, in fact, still there!]

What, did you think I wouldn't?

Aah. I'm glad.

[Really, they are. They reach forward to trace over it with a finger.]

I hope this means you'll allow me to make even more marks to let everyone see.

-yeah. If you wanted to, I'd let you. It's just, you know, I have to take off the robes for anybody to see.

[he shivers a little at the touch.]

Of course.

[And they reach to cup Ryan's cheek.]

So...disappointed in our result, there? We didn't get the right answer, it seems.

It could have gone better, sure.

[he tilts his head into that touch.]

But I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, exactly? The outcome didn't really matter much to me either way.

Mm, because you don't get anything out of it? Why make us do those trials, if the end result doesn't matter?

[A hum.]

Seems rather counter-productive to me.

I'd have been fine not doing them.

[he shrugs!]

People die, you know? That's, um. It's just how things are. It seems like a lot of wasted effort to me to go chasing after people for it... either it'll come to light or it won't.

I see. So its simply your view on such things. So that begs the question...why do it at all, if you feel its something one can do without?

Well, we don't all have to agree on something. I don't think there's a lot of point to it, but I don't mind letting it happen, either.

Whose idea was it for the trials, then?

[he waves a hand.]

I guess I wouldn't say it was just one of us.

Was Greed one? They took things rather seriously.

Greed's always pretty serious. Honestly, maybe a little more than they need to be? But it's sort of their thing.

[Hmm.]

Tell me this, dear Envy. Was this planned from the beginning? These trials?

D'you think there would have been a need for them, before one of you guys killed somebody?

[his head tilts, just looking at them curiously.]

That isn't what I asked.

[A hand drifts through Ryan's hair, lightly, but the look in Douman's eyes is dark, darker than anything else.]

You knew at some point that this would happen, that one would murder another at some point, and that trials would need to be held. Are we your playthings? Does this bring you entertainment?

Not really-- I mean, I'm not bothered by death either way. It doesn't upset me, but I'm not happy to see anyone die, either? It just... it just is.

[he shrugs, eyes closing for a moment with that light touch. more eyes open up to peer at them while his main ones are shut.]

If we were considering you playthings, we'd be forcing you into it more, wouldn't we? You all had to be there, it's kind of unfair to let you guys try to find the truth and let the killer just decide not to show up-- but nobody had to vote. What you guys do here is still up to you.

Still up to us...

[Somehow, they don't believe that, but they won't say it.]

[Douman draws close to kiss gently next to an eye.]

Seems counterproductive, yes? Forcing us into a trial, but giving us freedom to let a killer go loose.

[that gets a little grin out of him , and he smooches douman's cheek right back. hate this.]

Maybe a little, sure, but that's just kind of how it is. You get the chance, but you don't have to use it.

Mmm. Quite paradoxical, but...ahaha.

[And that gets a grin from them, too - they instantly move to wrap their arms around Ryan.]

Say...my dear Envy. Is it true, that the more we indulge, the more likely it is that we can receive powers in turn?

You got something this week, right?

[he settles in, getting comfy.]

Guess that's already not enough for you, huh?

Oh? Well, I simply thought that was your gift to me. Making others envious, after all.

[But good to know. They let their forehead rest against Envy's, letting out a sigh.]

But there's no chance of my onmyoudo returning, hm...?

Honestly, I don't know...? You've seen we can give you other things, but I don't know if we can actually restore that.

[he's just leaning right into that contact.]

Ah, well, it was worth asking.

[And then a pause.]

...Mmm, but I have been rude. Talking about myself. How are you?

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject