[OPEN]

[newphew]

WHO: Hunter and YOU!
WHAT: Hiding from the vet
WHERE: Anywhere in the base, including your room!!
WHEN: Shortly after the downtime log
WARNINGS: Stupidity???

[ no matter where you might be -- the metro, the shrine, your actual room? you catch a movement out of the corner of your eye and a blonde teenager is taking refuge behind a door, in a karaoke booth, a supply closet, or under your actual bed, etc. the list goes on. the stupider, the better ]

[ hunter catches your eye and has the audacity to make a "shh" motion at you. wow, what is he hiding from? what's got this kid so spooked he'll take refuge under the beds of other recruits? ]

[ it must be serious.... right? ]

Comments

[newphew]

Well, we couldn't serve them very well if we didn't do our jobs to their satisfaction, I suppose... [ tilting his head ] What upgrade did you get?

[ hunter is still under the delusion that he can escape his physical...... good luck with that buddy ]

They'll have to catch me first.

[ and they will. ]

[the_fourteenth]

I got the healing upgrade. It was a... difficult process. I won't recommend it necessarily, but I am very glad I did it. I've been able to help so many people since getting it.

[That's all that matters to him.]

If you insist. Where do you plan to stay if not at the base?

[newphew]

I see. But you should worry more about yourself.

[ he wants to grump at raidou and complain that he's dumb!!! but... can't really bring himself to do that. healing people is helpful, after all. so there's just this half-hearted complaint ]

I can stay at the base, just.... different places.

[ he may have not thought this through.... ]

[the_fourteenth]

[Hunter would be one in a long line of people, both here and back in his home, that would really like it if Raidou would stop being so reckless with his own safety. But for him, other's safety is far more important. He can't help but smile a little sadly at the comment.]

I get told that a lot.

[Raidou does look at Hunter again though, and taps a finger against his own temple, near his eye.]

You do know that, if it comes down to it, they will know exactly where you are?

[Implants, friend.]

[newphew]

Maybe you should start listening.

[ he sounds annoyed, but it's completely born of concern. he meets raidou's gaze with a bit of a frown ]

.... I suppose. [ this is unfortunately a great point, and hunter then deflates ] Then I can keep moving until they give it up on it. How much are they gonna care about some examination anyway?

[ a lot, frankly ]

[the_fourteenth]

[He nods lightly at that. He and Yuji practically killed themselves in the last mission trying to keep the other safe. Things are much different here than back home, with no demons to fight alone side with, to power him up, to heal him. He has to act differently.]

I plan to. Next mission will be different.

[A little shrug for that question.] I think you're the first person I know to go this far to avoid LILITH. Though I don't blame anyone for not wanting to trust them.

[newphew]

Good.

[ though hunter himself has a streak of being self-sacrificing.... not that he's going to bring it up. he seems relieved enough that raidou's taking his suggestion. ]

It's not that. It's.... [ he seems to struggle with what he wants to say, and his expression goes very closed off ] ... Nevermind. I'll figure it out.

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou knows that feeling all too well. He often struggles with forming his thoughts properly into words, and wondering if he should even bother sharing them. But if there is one thing he can do, it's listen.]

Are you sure? I won't tell them. Or, well, anyone.

[newphew]

[ hunter's expression softens a bit at that, though he still looks distant ]

... Thanks.

[ we can wrap here if you want ]