[closed]

[sicharia]

Characters: Claudia Hortensia and Kirei Kotomine
Setting: Various places; throughout the event
Format: Brackets
Summary: Catch-all for various interactions over the course of the event
Warnings: Blanket Kirei warning; otherwise, will update as needed

Comments

floor 100 | 24th | daytime

[sicharia]

[Following Riki's announcement, it's no surprise that Claudia has returned to the top-most floor available. She isn't quite sure where to move the rubble to, and she has to struggle to do so, but it's really no surprise that she's here, doing it.]

[Now where is Kirei, so she can nag him about helping.]

[god_damned]

[ They are not married, as she stated, so there is no reason to follow her every step. He does, however, find himself returning to her. After the announcement, he knows where he will find her.

When he speaks, it is not intended as belittling or chastising; merely a fact. He has experienced how weak her body can become, and knows well of her limitations. ]

You are in no condition for this labor.

[sicharia]

But—

[What he says is entirely true, however much she is improved from the time that he knew her. She's almost certain to exhaust herself doing this, if for no other reason than that she will ignore her own limits if allowed. But, even so—]

[The fragment of rubble she was in the process of lifting slips from her hands, landing against the floor with a startling clatter, as she turns her head toward him.]

How can you expect me to do nothing?

[god_damned]

[ The sound of the clattering rubble is oddly defined to him, and he gazes back at her. The way she looks at him, when she asks that question, seems far more open than she should trust herself to be with him.

Although he was her husband, she should not place that much faith in him. ]

What little rubble you can move will not save any lives. [ Again, it is spoken flatly, not intentionally unkind. ] But no, I cannot expect that of you; it is not your nature.

[sicharia]

[His words don't sting, exactly, but she stiffens regardless. She swallows. Her jaw sets, her hands feeling oddly tense at her sides.]

Maybe not by myself, but if other people work, too— It could make a difference. Every extra pair of hands should make a difference. It's not... It's not about saving lives, anyway.

[She looks away from him, back to the wrecked floor. More specifically, she looks upward, toward the top of the stairs.]

The sooner we make a path back to the rooms, the better. For everyone.

[god_damned]

[ Kirei simply watches her for a moment, saying nothing.

Maybe there is some meaning to finding her again here. She did not save him in their short time together -- is this some new attempt to save his soul? Should he watch her, and be inspired by her? ]

Would you have me assist, then?

[ Even as he offers, he is aware that he is deluding himself. This act of good will is not going to bring him any satisfaction. ]

[sicharia]

I—

[She starts to answer, then hesitates, slightly thrown by the phrasing of the question.]

I would like it if you would. I'm in no position to give you orders, however.