Log 1

[mayfield_mods]

Who: Everyone (General Log)
What: Make yourself at home.
Where: A new town
When: The first day

Comments

[cursedtolive]

[He makes a startled sound, and Czes is cowering behind one of the shelves, staring at Firo with side frightened eyes. He almost yells at him to go away, but the panic recedes before he actually lashes out.]

Ah...

... S-sorry.

[foundafamily]

[Aw, man, the kid looks really distraught. Firo can't get mad at Czes for this--but he can certainly get mad at himself. He shakes his head and holds his hands up, as if in surrender.]

...No, I'm sorry. Didn't think that'd scare you so much.

[cursedtolive]

[He shakes his head, still not coming out of his corner but looking at Firo, at least.]

It was just that you moved really suddenly. I'm used to running away...

[foundafamily]

[Firo stares at Czes a moment, wondering why the kid's still hiding. He takes a step back to see if that'll encourage him to move. He frowns.]

...Well, you don't hafta run from me.

[He winces, recalling that time Czes really should have run. It feels like forever ago, back when they were still in the original Mayfield, but he knows it's not so distant as to be forgotten.]

[cursedtolive]

I know, I know.

[He laughs, nervously, and pushes himself out of his hiding spot, straightening his clothes.]

Don't worry about it! It's just... old habits.

[foundafamily]

[As Czes leaves the hiding spot, Firo takes another step back to give him some space.]

...Are you sure?

[cursedtolive]

Completely sure! Im just a little jumpy. A little jumpy, that's all!

[foundafamily]

[That's all he's going to get, isn't he? Firo bites his lip and wonders if it's all right to leave it at that.]

...Well, if there's anything I can do to make you less jumpy, just say so.

[He turns for the exit, but glances over his shoulder to make sure Czes is coming.]

[cursedtolive]

... Don't worry about it.

[His voice is a little lower, but there's no anger in it when he turns and gives Firo a smile. Not quite as cheery as his childish ones, but it's one nonetheless.]

It's a habit from years and years of doing it. But I don't really think you're gonna hurt me if you can help it.

[foundafamily]

That's... that's good.

[He continues more firmly:]

I won't. I promise.

[If he can help it. Firo's not convinced they're really safe here.]

[cursedtolive]

And I'll believe you!

[He doesn't. But he doesn't doubt it so strongly, either.]

Don't worry, Firo.

[foundafamily]

[He probably should worry, shouldn't he? But he's not sure what else to say.]

...All right.

[He sighs and starts for the door again.]

Where do you wanna go next?

[cursedtolive]

Umm...

Somewhere to get stuff for our beds? I think we had beds, at least, but I want a good pillow.

[foundafamily]

[Firo can't help but smile at that. It seems like such a simple request, but, damn, does it sound like a good idea right now.]

Simple pleasures, huh?

[cursedtolive]

Of course. Simple. That's all we can get, you know?

[foundafamily]

Yeah, you're right.

[He turns out of the building and glances around for anything that looks promising.

Once upon a time, "home" might have seen like a simple thing to want.]

Anything else on your list?

[cursedtolive]

Not really? I mean, I guess we can always use more clothes, but that's not immediately necessary, right? Maybe food.

[foundafamily]

[Firo sighs; he's already feeling a little hungry, but he's not sure if he's ready to risk it. He knows he'll probably never touch milk again.]

Guess we'll have to find out sooner or later if we can actually trust the food here...

[cursedtolive]

[He knows Firo will say no, but he reaches over and tugs on his sleeve.]

If it looks suspicious, let me test it. Okay?

[foundafamily]

Czes-!

[In retrospect, Firo supposes he should have expected that. He shakes his head quickly.]

I can't let you do that.

[cursedtolive]

Firo.

If it's poisoned you'll die.

[foundafamily]

[He can't argue with that fact.]

But then... You shouldn't hafta go through that for me.

[Dying isn't fun, even when it's temporary.]

[cursedtolive]

I shouldn't have had to go through a lot of things, but this time, I'm fine.

If someone doesn't test it and you don't eat any of the food, you'll starve too.

[foundafamily]

All right, all right.

[He rubs his neck, unable to meet Czes's eyes. It's humiliating having to be dependent on someone and he feels guilty that that person is Czes.]

...Thanks, Czes.

[cursedtolive]

... You're welcome.

Don't worry. I won't do it while you're watching so it'll be like it didn't happen!