[Voice]

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[Hachiken begins by nervously clearing his throat. It's really hard to talk about things and he doesn't feel all that well in the aftermath. But he remembers every little thing.]

I just want to say that I'm, I'm really sorry.

I'm really really glad no one took my invitations to come here because I would have killed you.

[He trembles, the pages ruffle in the journal from his grip.]

I haven't ever-I wasn't in my right mind. I was incredibly weak and worthless and I'm really sorry.

[There's a pause and he swallows. There's a hitch in his breathing, a little bit of panic in his voice.]

I won't ask for forgiveness for what I did, because it's completely unforgivable. Just know that I'm sorry, to everyone.

Comments

[maskedtyrant]

[Rusty's head snaps around to face the door. As if repeating Hachiken's question, she also gives the knock a loud, inquisitive chirp. Interestingly this receives an answer.]

--Ah! Now how did you get in there? [Codi's voice, obviously. This is followed by the second raptor's snout poking through the gap in Hachiken's door, testing to see if she'll fit--which she will--but the gray-feathered creature is too timid to leave Codi's side, so she pulls back.] Hachiken--you're not doing anything embarrassing, are you? I need to grab my dinosaur.

[unlikelyfarmhand]

I'm not. You can have him back.

[He gives Rusty a small smile and another pat.]

[maskedtyrant]

Great!

[There's a long pause. Rusty appreciates the pats, but does not see them as a dismissal and remains seated.]

...Maybe you could unlock the door so I can come in and get it?

[unlikelyfarmhand]

Right. Sorry.

[Hachiken mumbles a little bit but he gets up and goes to open up the door for Codi, looking at the floor. There's a fascinating nail right there in the wood. Simply mesmerizing.]

[maskedtyrant]

[Rusty trots after him, almost weaving through his legs once or twice, but she's nimble enough to get out of his way should his feet get too close. Of course, as soon as Codi comes into view, she completely forgets about Hachiken and starts playing with her gray-feathered sister out in the hold.]

I think it remembers your smell from the kitchen or something. [Codi shrugs, then a second later notices Hachiken staring at the floor. She raises an eyebrow in his general direction.] ...Speaking of which, you haven't been in there much.

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[Hachiken scratches the back of his head sheepishly, running his fingers through his hair.]

Ah, well um, no. I don't think that's a good idea.

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi legitimately doesn't know what he means at first. A full ten seconds later, she manages to put the pieces together with a small "oh" of acknowledgement and a quick bite of her lower lip.]

...Hachiken. You don't seriously think we don't trust you with food anymore, do you?

[unlikelyfarmhand]

Of course you wouldn't.

[Granted, it's about all he has going for him in the way of skills, and if they told him to get off at the next port, he wouldn't be surprised.]

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi lets out a deep sigh through pursed lips, blowing her fringe into a gentle arc above her forehead.]

...Hachiken. [Yes, she's repeating herself and she doesn't care. Also she's blocking the door.] Sit down for a minute.

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[He sits as requested, wiping his hands on his pants nervously. This is it, Codi's going to tell him to get out of there.]

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi shuts the door behind her. The two raptors are busy playing and will hopefully give them some peace and quiet, at least for a few minutes.]

[Then she follows Hachiken's lead and sits down next to him. She stays close--perhaps uncomfortably close--puts a hand on his shoulder and stares at the side of his face.]

Look at me for a minute, alright?

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[One deep breath and then a second and he looks at Codi, just like she asked.]

[maskedtyrant]

[And there's Codi, staring right back at him. Her expression is stern, but she can't seem to shake the amused smile creeping at the corners of her mouth.]

Repeat after me. [Deep breath: ] 'It's not my fault.'

[unlikelyfarmhand]

But Codi, it is my fault! I killed people!

[Nope, can't do that.]

[maskedtyrant]

Hachiken... [She narrows her eyes--her hand is still on his shoulder.] You didn't kill anyone. The Witch killed people. No offense or anything, but we all know you're not capable of committing mass murder.

[unlikelyfarmhand]

I did it though. My hands did that. Even if I didn't think I was capable, I proved I am.

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi shakes her head. It takes a remarkable amount of patience to keep this up, but she's used to dealing with people who worry like Hachiken. Well, she's used to dealing with one person, who she happens to be married to.]

No, it just proved that you're prone to suggestion. We can deal with that--if we couldn't we would have kicked you off the ship already. [She tries for a tired smile.] We know you're a good guy, Hachiken. We trust you. Alright?

[unlikelyfarmhand]

I don't know how you can! What I did was...

[He can barely face it himself. He puts his head in his hands, god.]

I don't...I shouldn't be the kind of person willing to kill for whatever I want!

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi gives a deep, slightly exasperated sigh and tries to wrap her arm around Hachiken's back, hopefully pulling him into a more comforting embrace.]

You shouldn't be and you aren't. No one believes that you are--especially since that wasn't even what you wanted, right? That's the whole, "acting against your will" thing. We get that.

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[His muscles tighten under her arm a little bit uncomfortable with the embrace he really really doesn't deserve.]

I didn't want to do it. Really.

[maskedtyrant]

I know, I know... [Pat pat, goes her hand on his back. Calm down you silly child.] We all know that. We know you wouldn't do it if you had the choice.

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[It's so strange that they have faith in him when he doesn't have the same faith in himself. Hachiken doesn't really say anything, but he nods a little, giving her a somewhat positive response.]

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi smiles and nods back in an attempt to encourage him.]

Yeah? Everything will be fine.

[unlikelyfarmhand]

[He sighs and runs a hand through his hair.]

If you say so, Codi.

[maskedtyrant]

I insist! I mean, what are we supposed to eat while you're in here moping, huh?

[Priorities.]