week 5; sunday

[scythegun]

[Hazama had something interesting on his person when he died and Yeager's going to pursue that. Yukino will find a note slipped under her door early on Sunday morning.]

Yukino -

I have something I'd like to discuss with you, if you have a moment! It's a private matter, so keep it quiet! ★

- Yeager

Comments

[scythegun]

Yukino! Come on in.

[He ushers her inside and closes the door behind her, still smiling brightly as always.]

I would like some, as long as they're not poisoned, ja?

[THAT'S NOT FUNNY]

[spatial]

Well! I'm not saying that isn't the surprise, but... [ She trails off and offers him a small bag of sugar cookies, smiling slightly. ]

[scythegun]

How cruel!

[Your sense of humor is just like his, good!! Anyway, he gestures for her to make herself at home while he sets the cookies down and picks up a pen from the desk.]

Now then, let's get down to business, ja? I had a couple of brief questions for you, if that's alright?

[He starts writing while he speaks, though he's got his back angled to obscure the paper from the cameras. His handwriting is neat and flowing and even if it could be caught, he's careful to add a little extra flair than necessary to make it harder to read.]

[spatial]

Yes, of course. Um, fire away.

[ She keeps smiling. It's a little stiff, but look, she's channeling her inner Hazama/Yeager! Hazeager. Yeazama. Whatever this talk is about, she's doesn't know, but she'll just... power-smile her way through the uncertainty. Or something! ]

I'll answer to the best of my ability.

[scythegun]

Ja, I know you will! You don't need to be worried at all; I promise it's nothing bad!

[He knows better than anyone how to read that expression and he gets the exact same look on his face when something's bothering him. Top Dollar won't stop pointing it out. It's kind of annoying!!

Anyway, Yeager hands the paper over and gives her a brief moment to read it before speaking up again.]

Are you feeling fine? I've been a bit worried about you, you know! With everything that's going on here, I wouldn't want you to be feeling too terrible!

[And in direct contrast to his words, the message is short and simple:]

Hazama left me a note that implied that you may be one of (possibly) several gunners. Is this true?

[spatial]

[ Not... what she was expecting. Her smile almost drops, nearly more of a grimace before it smooths out. She hands the paper back to him. ]

Ah, yes, I'm fine, thank you. It's... it's been hard, but it helps to be surrounded by people I trust. [ It's partially a question. Hazama must have trusted him, so... can Yukino? Does Yeager trust her? ] And how are you, sir?

[ A beat. Then she nods to the paper. ]

Um, I think your answer to that riddle is correct, but don't forget there were three little pigs in the fable, not just the one. At least, that's what I remember. I could be wrong!

[scythegun]

Oh dear, I really do need to brush up on my riddle-solving skills, then!

[Three... Well now, that's fascinating.]

I'm pleased to hear that you're doing well, though! This place isn't easy on any of us - including me!

[He's still smiling though, because it's easier than actually being sincere about anything. Still... Duke's everything could have really fucked him up if Duke had died.]

You can always come to me if you have any problems, you know. I usually work better as a distraction, but I certainly don't mind listening!

[He'll slip that paper in his pocket for now; he'll destroy it later.]

[spatial]

[ She looks surprised, then touched. He really shouldn't be so kind to her. She doesn't deserve it and if anything, it'll just make her cry. Not really a good time for anyone. ]

I - I thank you for the kind offer. [ She bows so, so low. It means a lot that he even said it. ] And, um, I'll keep that in mind. But I've been troubling Sir Duke so much already, I couldn't possibly do the same to you. That's... that's too greedy.