[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It's early in the morning, just shortly after sunrise, and Richard is sitting on a fallen tree a short distance from House 6. Naoki had taken him there after CH 4 had collaspsed, and while it's far more crowded than Richard is used to, he's grateful to have a roof over his head and to be in the company of a friend (friends, possibly, though he's still not sure what Isamu thinks of him).

But eventually he needs some space, and that's why he's slipped outside to be alone for a while. Sure, he's seen several experiments by now, but this... this is completely different. Before this, Luceti hadn't seemed so bad at all. Now, however, he's not so sure.

And then there was that entire conversation he and Naoki had had the other day... it's amazing how confusing things could become in just two days. This is most certainly not the way Richard had been expecting to spend his 20th birthday.]

Comments

[ledbythewind]

[He nods.]

This is the sort of thing I have to be prepared to face as a prince, but that doesn't make the actual reality of the situation any easier.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

It's going to be tough, no matter what...

[ledbythewind]

Yes. But we can get through this... we have no other choice.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

We will. We've got each other, so we'll be alright.

[ledbythewind]

[At this, Richard pauses, a look of surprise on his face. But he quickly disguises this with a smile and nods.]

... yes. We're friends, after all.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki grins at him with a firm nod.] Exactly.

[ledbythewind]

[He smiles back, but it turns slightly sad for a moment.]

If only... no, never mind.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki frowns a bit at him in concern.]

What is it?

[ledbythewind]

I was just wishing that Asbel could be here today as well.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Ah...even with all this?

[ledbythewind]

No, I'm just being selfish. But I've... never celebrated a birthday with friends before.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Ri--it's your birthday today?

[ledbythewind]

[He nods slightly.]

Forget I even mentioned it-- we have more important things to worry about right now.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Ignoring that.] How old are you?

[ledbythewind]

Twenty. It's the age of majority in my world.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki's thinking very hard now.]

...you head to the barracks, I'll meet you there in a bit, okay?

[ledbythewind]

All right, but there's no need to go out of your way for me. I'll be fine.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki presses a hand against his back to urge him in the direction of the barracks before turning on a heel.]

I won't be long! [And off he goes!]

[ledbythewind]

[And Richard is left shaking his head in amusement for a few moments before he obediently turns to head off to the barracks. You remind him so very much of Asbel, Naoki.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[It's a half hour later by the time a very dusty Naoki makes his way into the barracks, shifting along the wall to keep out of the way of everything while looking for Richard. A bottle is tucked under one arm, a bag in the other hand.]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard's been all over the barracks helping out wherever he can, be it with bandaging, checking up on patients, making cots, etc. He may not have much practical experience, but that hasn't stopped him from trying to make himself useful.

Right now he's carrying a load of fresh blankets to distribute them to people who need them.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki sets aside the things in his arms for the moment as soon as he lays eyes on him, picking up the pace to fall into step with him.]

Ah, lemme help.

[ledbythewind]

Ahh-- thank you, Naoki.

[He pauses to let Naoki take some of the blankets from him.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki flashes a brief grin at him before scooting off to pass out the blankets.]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard will be doing likewise-- when he's done, he'll stand there and wait for Naoki to finish.]