maddeninghatter | IC Contact

[ Despite Oz's report, he takes a moment to ascertain for himself that Ahiru's tablet won't connect. There are several possible explanations, but he'll ask the one that seems most relevant, considering present circumstances: ]

Did something happen?

[ He hadn't heard of any casualties in the sky vessel crash, but he imagines the Initiative would tightly control such information. ]

( it's not hard to think why break would ask that first, particularly in light of the events of just a few days ago. )

No, I talked to her after things settled down a little bit. She was alright then.

( she'd also hinted to wanting company, something he'd denied on the basis of glen baskerville being in the city, oddly - peaceful or no. )

Ah.

[ So she was sent home. He forces his voice into a petulant whine. ]

Well, that's too baaa~aaad, isn't it? I'd just thought up the most wonderful lie.

( he chuckles, though his heart isn't in it)

Did she ask you not to say anything, too?

I told her I wouldn't tell him the truth.

[ A long, theatrical sigh. ]

But she's spoilt our fun, how rude.

[ How sad. ]

( of course she'd ask for a promise like that, he thinks. she's much too honest to be able to think of all the easy loopholes in promises like these. )

Well, I'm happy for her! She didn't like it here anyway.

Well, I'm not. Nobody likes a killjoy.

[ Of course she's better off. Hopefully she's safe at home now, with someone to look after her. ]

Oh - on the related point of Gilbert's appearance...

( IF YOU SAY SO, BREAK )

You won't be needing any more "left eye" duties from me?

( supplies it, having expected this )

[ Brightly: ]

Got it in one: you're fired! ♥

That said, I've got another position for yoooooooou.

( ...not so expected. )

Do you? That's very considerate!

( since he was just fired! )

These days...

[ Wryly ]

I find myself in need of a right eye, too. Think you can handle it?

( ...oh. there's a pause as that sinks in, catching him off-guard. )

I think so.

Shouldn't be toooooo difficult. It'll be similar to what you were doing before, just - on the other side, hahaha!

[ He's about to sign off, but...

Well.

From time to time, he tries to be serious with Gilbert - who never understands. But Oz is a different sort. ]

And - I'm sorry about Ahiru, but the nature of this place means that all of your relationships are ephemeral. Live each day as if it were your last; as if you were never going to see anyone here, ever again.

( live each day as if you were never going to see anyone here, ever again.

it's an unexpected bit of genuine and serious advice, though not the first time break's provided any, either. but what's funny about it is that not so long ago - and the desire is still there in some ways, it really is - he might've taken it much differently than how he knows it was intended. people always leave; then what's the point of trying? elliot would, of course, have a whole rant prepared about that way of thinking, and by now oz can understand why. but, that doesn't make it any easier. it's not a very big list as of yet, not really, people he knew who've come and gone (friends, maybe), but it'll inevitably grow the longer he stays here; ahiru won't be the last for sure. there's no reason it might not include gil one day, or break, or even elliot or leo. collette. caesar or lenalee.

that doesn't mean he can't give it a try, though. )

Hearing you say something so seriously just makes the situation seem even stranger.

( he's thankful though, really. )

Yes, yes, it is a curious situation we find ourselves in.

But what I said is true, no matter where you are. Your entire world can change in an instant - that is the only true constant in life.

[ He sounds like an old man. ]

( he does, and oz's playacted humor relents )

I remember that.

( there's a hint of wryness, but no more than that, as he considers the events surrounding his fifteenth birthday. there's an audible rustle of clothes as he pitches his weight forward so that he's half-lying on his desk, holding the tablet up in his hands. )

But even knowing the nature of this place, I didn't think about it at all. And I don't know anything about where she ( or ringo or ikki or anyone else ) went back to.

Life and loss are one in the same. But you can't dwell on the latter, or you'll lose all sweetness of the former.

[ He'd sounded philosophical and weary. But when he speaks again, there's an edge to his voice: ]

In this place, we are someone else's pawns. We've got no choice but to move forward.

( breathes out, long and slow, as he listens to that. it's true, and that's not hard to understand in some respects, though others remain elusive. )

Moving forward... ( it was one thing in their own world, but ) ...what does that mean, here?

[ And on that enigmatic note... ]

My, my - look at the time. I'd better be running along.

[ It's Emily who says: ]

BYE BYE SHORTY!

[ End transmission ]

IC Contact - Exsilium

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