Saturday, Week 5 - Ichigo, post trial

[killtheanimals]

[When Ichigo finds him, he's curled up in the branches of a tree, black robes wrapped around him in spite of the heat, further concealing him in the darkness, staff in his lap. Mourning clothes, worn out of respect for those who had died, yet not intended for this.

He spins Ragnaruk idly in his hand before clenching it tight. Thankfully, it's not liable to cut, even if the pain would almost be a welcome distraction in this moment.]

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[bladeisme]

[He's not the only one in mourning clothes - even with the white Armor, he is basically wearing downright traditional gear - and Ichigo spares no time in spotting him and climbing up to see him. ]

...Hey.

[Don't think he doesn't see that clenching, young man.]

[killtheanimals]

[He freezes when Ichigo appears, quickly ducking his head away, eyes wide and - red. He's been crying, and hates it, because it means this place has finally broken him in a way he's been trying so hard to avoid all this time, because now it's his turn to dread the coming of Monday and the face of a friend who is no longer with them, not really, because on today of all days

Everyone he cares for has died

And it hurts in a way he cannot keep contained any longer.]

Don't you have others to look after?

[Even his voice is thick with tears, try as he might to conceal it.]

[bladeisme]

Maybe. But -

[He finishes stepping up to where Mitsuru sits, sitting nearby, looking over.]

I think you might need someone to be there for you right now.

[Because - he's not dumb.

He hears those tears in that voice, and he knows why. He really, really does.]

[killtheanimals]

I don't.

[He sounds childish now, because he is. So sure of himself even though he's been caught crying, refusing to look at Ichigo directly.

But yet... it's true, or so he thinks. He's never needed anyone before - never had anyone before.

As always, he'll deal with this on his own, the dark feelings of hopelessness swirling around in circles in his head, of useless what-ifs and wishes that can no longer be granted.]