[If it is a pretty act, then Laurent's is prettier still — regality in the rigid movements of rising and dressing himself, hair long and gold in the light, lean body cut by shadowy lines. It must hurt to stand. Watching him, Sasuke remains on his knees, stripped of his cloak in a plain shirt with a loose left sleeve where his arm should be. He endures all of those words until they're finished. In light of his own actions, he finds them reasonable.
Nothing has changed, and Naruto is still gone. The likelihood of his Shadow making more violent appearances is certain now. He needs to accept this fact and move himself away from Stygia as a protective measure until his eventual end. If it isn't Oblivium, it will be the illness of his unreciprocated feelings; both are a suitable fate.
Laurent might have become a friend. Only the second of his life that he's attempted on his own grounds, with intention. Perhaps his goal of atonement is unreachable in this bitter and meaningless afterlife.]
Don't worry. I would never abide that game. [He stands, finally, at Laurent's height but unwilling to meet his eye. Every piece of discipline is gathered, and he speaks in a flat tone.] I understand your terms and accept them so long as you remain here until the night has passed.
You won't see me again.
[He slips silently from the tent, into the cold, cloak abandoned where it was left on the ground. Moments later, one of the local Restless appears to prevent Laurent from exiting if he tries — they are a voluntary healer on duty to attend to those whose Shadows, like many others, have begun to slip.]
no subject
Nothing has changed, and Naruto is still gone. The likelihood of his Shadow making more violent appearances is certain now. He needs to accept this fact and move himself away from Stygia as a protective measure until his eventual end. If it isn't Oblivium, it will be the illness of his unreciprocated feelings; both are a suitable fate.
Laurent might have become a friend. Only the second of his life that he's attempted on his own grounds, with intention. Perhaps his goal of atonement is unreachable in this bitter and meaningless afterlife.]
Don't worry. I would never abide that game. [He stands, finally, at Laurent's height but unwilling to meet his eye. Every piece of discipline is gathered, and he speaks in a flat tone.] I understand your terms and accept them so long as you remain here until the night has passed.
You won't see me again.
[He slips silently from the tent, into the cold, cloak abandoned where it was left on the ground. Moments later, one of the local Restless appears to prevent Laurent from exiting if he tries — they are a voluntary healer on duty to attend to those whose Shadows, like many others, have begun to slip.]