readyforwar | [Round 3]: [Locked from Hostiles, directed to Watanuki but open]

[Grabs Nadeko's coat, slippers and gloves, then gets the cat ear hat she'd picked out for him and comes back to the living room.]

Almost ready?

[no he's not pouting, what makes you say that]

Yeah.

Yes.

Good.

[Manages to get all of Nadeko's warm clothes on her with some difficulty.]

[helping, of course. She doesn't really awake up through all of it, which is even more worrisome.]

[Removes the cloth from her forehead, but it still feels warm, before putting the cat-hat on her head. He kisses her forehead then looks at Kazuma and feels himself getting angry.]

Maybe...maybe I should just stay here.

[He manages to say without too much venom.]

[Doumeki just lets out a sigh, heading for the door.]

Let's go.

[That means all of you.]

[Was trying to avoid the eventual fight that will happen with both of us going.]

...

[Too bad. They're leaving. The sooner they get to the hospital the better.'

While walking, Nadeko kind of comes in and out of sleep a few times, but no more than to mutter incoherently. Its a cold, quiet walk for all of them since Wata is trying to avoid a fight, Kazuma is more focused on Nadeko, and Doumeki seems to be keeping his eyes on both of them for that very reason.

The hospital waiting room is kind of busy, but they manage to get in without too much wait. Once they're back in the ER room waiting for the doctor, Doumeki says he's going to get something for them to drink (in a tone that basically translates to 'you two stay here') and leaves.

Kazuma stands off to the side, flicking his D-Comm open and closed for a few minutes until he finally speaks again.]

Why do you hate me so much? Don't give me some bullshit answer, either.

[Frowning a little, he shifted in his chair.]

Maybe I don't want to get into right now.

[snaps his comm shut rather hard, looking up at Watanuki. He's not glaring, but he does look serious.]

Maybe I do.

Well then maybe its because you got so close to Nadeko-chan? And her worrying about you hasn't helped her after-

[Stops himself realizing he's yelling.]

Damn it...its nothing to do with you personally. Not much at least.

Some really bad things happened right before you got here and...Nadeko-chan...got hurt.

She's like a little sister, and after losing my family once, I don't want to lose this one...even to a twerp like you.

[Yes he has slight abandonment issues, so sue him.]

[Well, at least he was finally honest. That's actually what Kazuma was looking for (he just doesn't know how to ask it in a way that doesn't sound demanding and cross).

The little sister thing strikes a cord, though.]

... does it have anything to do with that spirit girl taking souls from people?

...

[Looks at the floor.]

I don't wanna talk about it.

... [that's all the answer he needs.]

You don't have to. I had a feeling she was leaving something out.

[speaking from experience - 'leaving something out' has been his M.O. for the past several months.

He opens and closes his comm again, quieter this time and eyes on the floor. He's basically finding a way to swallow his pride, which is not easy for him at all.]

I want to protect her. She's my friend. ... I'm sorry I made things difficult. I'm sorry for... a lot of things. I can't help how she acts, though.

[he finally looks up at Watanuki, and for once his eyes don't look harsh or angry. He actually looks vulnerable.]

I already lost some one important to me because I didn't do enough. I don't want it to happen again.

You can still lose someone, even if you try everything you can think of.

[Takes a deep breath.]

But...trying is better than giving up. So you get points for that...

The Jinnouchi clan is known for fighting losing battles... doesn't stop us from trying.

[sighs, looking up at Nadeko]

I just want her to be okay...

Yeah...so do I.

... I have a little sister.

[gasp. Kazuma's actually opening up about something!]

...okay?

[Is soooooo not connecting why that's important.]

[Have some damn patience, Wata. Its not like this is easy for him.]

She's only a couple of months old right now. Before she was born... our great grandmother passed away.

[his hand tightens around his comm, arm shaking a little]

It shouldn't have happened.

[Clears his throat a little awkwardly.]

Old people die, Ikezawa-kun. That's what happens...

No.

[he stops himself from saying more just yet, trying to figure out how to make Watanuki understand]

... you're right, but... she was fine. I had a chance to stop what happened and I failed.

But...she didn't just die because she was old?

Not... exactly...

Okay...

[He tilted his head slightly in confusion.]

What did she die of then?

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