05: † text

[salvagedsoul]

Hello, everyone.

I have been in United Earth territory since June. I was released last week. Although I have been inspected and declared safe by the Initiative, I feel that it is my obligation to notify you all of what happened.

I am very eager to see some of you again. I am staying in my assigned housing at 502 while I continue to recover. Please come by at your convenience.


((feel free to use this post for both network conversations and action!))

Comments

[salvagedsoul]

[He raises his head to look at him over his hand and between his bangs. Kaworu's gaze is gentle, the sad but patient expression of a poor old man standing in a long line at a soup kitchen.]

Your kitchen?

[When he said stay with you, that's what he meant. Kaworu doesn't want to be here anymore. While Shintaro's care for him is very diligent, Kaworu has to maintain his usual visage around his roommates.

Shinji knows him better.]

[imusntrunaway]

[He understands with that slight correction. Shinji thinks for a moment. His roommates... he's sure that they wouldn't mind if he brought Kaworu with him. There was room enough for one other person and he'll take responsibility for the boy's care. If he needed to, maybe sharing his room could work as well. It wouldn't be the first time they've done something like that.

So he nods, a small gesture.]

... I need to check with them.

[salvagedsoul]

[Shinji's confirmation rouses Kaworu from his depressed mood. Standing from his bed, he reaches out and takes his hand. His soft palm smooths over Shinji's and squeezes it with mild desperation.

Some energy has returned to him now. His posture is tall and straight again. Although he still looks hesitant, the half-asleep look on his face is gone.]

Let's go.

[imusntrunaway]

[Kaworu's grabbed onto his hand before. But their roles feel reversed now--he the caretaker and Kaworu the cared for. He isn't sure if he's really ready to don the role, but if it's to repay that bit of kindness he was shown...

Shinji doesn't return the squeeze, but he doesn't pull away either as he turns.]

Follow me.