Blanca; catch-all

[misstrust]

Comments

[misstrust]

You sound a bit like a proud father.

[ With a trace of a grin. ]

But that's still very impressive.

[papasha]

Well, I suppose I did train him for a time. It's hard not to be proud of him utilizing what he learned from me. It means... I did well enough to help him survive.

[It's bittersweet, both terrible and awesome. Which is sad.]

[misstrust]

Sometimes that's the greatest thing you can do for a person.

[ And she touches his shoulder, gently-- before she sighs. ]

I don't suppose you know any reasonable adults I can target this time?

[papasha]

[His expression softens slightly.]

Unfortunately, I think... the consensus is Archer. As much as we all dislike it, he has volunteered, especially to those he cares about. He's lost a lot of himself.

They understand, though I still hate to do it to them. But... will you be okay? With someone like Archer.

[misstrust]

... I think I'm far past the point of whether it matters if I'm fine with it or not. It needs to be done and if he accepts it, that's more than I could have asked for.

[ She shakes her head, expression carefully composed. ]

I'll do what I must. If he's not a Goat or a Wolf, so much the better.

[papasha]

Mm. We should be all right. I only ask that you be careful, of course. He may simply just... accept it.

[He glances out over the water.]

Miss Dorothy, can I ask you a question?

[misstrust]

You may.

[ As she folds her hands in her lap. ]

[papasha]

When I checked the computer in the security room, I got a report on you. I had been wondering...

Have you already had to kill someone while we've been here, by any chance?

[misstrust]

[ And now she looks even more tired. ]

I can promise that I didn't kill anyone.

[papasha]

[He nods.]

I wouldn't judge you even if it were true. Did you... cover for someone else who did?

[misstrust]

... Yes.

[ But from the look in her eyes, she won't offer more clarification there. ]

[papasha]

That's okay. I've covered for people several times, as terrible as that sounds to admit.

[misstrust]

You must have had your reasons.

[ Don't they all, really. ]

But if it puts you at risk at any point this time, please don't cover for me. You're still needed.

[papasha]

[Reaching out, he takes one of her hands so he can hold it between both of his own.]

It's okay. I'll do what I can, but... I understand. Thank you for doing this for us, Miss Dorothy.

[misstrust]

It's for rather selfish reasons, so you needn't thank me.

[ Dorothy smiles, a little sadly as she wraps her fingers around his hands as best as she is able. ]

Please, just... watch over Ange, if I'm unable to.

[papasha]

You still deserve some manner of thanks.

[His expression softens.]

I will. She'll be all right. I think... in a way, she understands. She wants this to be over. I don't blame her.

Depending on how it goes, I'll check on her.

[misstrust]

Yes, I imagine I'll feel rather absurd if I'm not caught.

[ Though from the looks of it, she's not planning on pulling a Jeanne either. ]