Week 5, Saturday, dungeon: Eichi.

[thesettingsun]

[Dazai isn't entirely surprised to see Eichi show up to visit him, but he couldn't say he was expecting it, either.

He's sitting on the floor of his cell.]

Sorry for outing your gift earlier. I hope you can forgive me for it, considering.

Comments

[finethanks]

...Forgiveness hardly matters, right now.

[Eichi frowns as he steps closer, putting his hands to the cell keeping him in.]

Should I use it now, to break you free? [It's mostly a joke, because he's sure it would hurt somehow.]

[thesettingsun]

No.

[The answer comes quickly, but no less firmly for how little it took to decide.]

You'll be punished if you do.

[finethanks]

...You're quite fickle, aren't you, Dazai-san?

[Eichi looks a little sad as he says it, hands dropping away, his left arm still aching.]

You promise to live, but you toss that away for someone else's promise that you value more. You reassure someone in private, but then you toss around information casually, at your convenience, without a thought.

It makes me wonder... Was I ever more than something to be used?

[thesettingsun]

...You were, and are my friend, Eichi. But I'm not good at friendship. I destroy valuable things because I don't understand how valuable they are, or don't know how to keep all the promises I've made.

[A child in the world of adults. Trying his best for everyone, and falling short for everyone.]

If I'd died before I disappointed you, you would have had a more positive impression of me than I deserve. So perhaps this is the fairest result for you. A 'happy ending'.

[finethanks]

I'm quite irritated with you, Dazai-san, but my impression hasn't changed.

[He crouches down to his knees, trying to reach for his hand if there are bars he can reach between.]

It's more that I'm not sure that I'm anything other than a distant reminder of someone you know from home. It's my own self-esteem that leaves me with thoughts like that, isn't it?

[thesettingsun]

[It's not the right time, but - Dazai laughs, even as he's reaching to squeeze Eichi's hand.]

I stopped thinking about Oda when I saw you in the first week, Eichi. You've been one of my favorites here by your own merits.

[finethanks]

[As soon as his hand is grabbed, he hunches over himself, hiding his upset face.]

I'm sorry, Dazai-san.

[His voice is upset, even in how it still sounds so soft and gentle.]

I wasn't sure what to do, and in my anger at you sharing such a personal thing, I voted for you. I'm sorry... I wasn't able to perform your song in public, either. The one who needs forgiveness is me.

[thesettingsun]

It's alright.

[Even in the current time and place - this cell, before his execution - Dazai sounds at ease.]

I'd have been more upset if you voted for anyone besides me, really. I did a cruel thing to you because I didn't know what else to do, and there weren't any likely candidates besides me and Sensei, so... I'm not mad, and there's nothing to forgive.

...But I'd be happy if you did perform that song for everyone.

[finethanks]

[Apparently Eichi has a scarf on I'll mention that now. But anyway, he curls his fingers around Dazai's, however he can.]

How can I? You'll be gone, Dazai-san, and that piano has been ruined. Our numbers are dwindling, and these cases are becoming more difficult.

I wonder... do you suppose you'll find that daughter of ours? If you do, would you mind telling her that I miss her?

[thesettingsun]

[hiding akechi's hickeys, I see how it is]

You can still sing. As long as you have your voice, you can use it to lighten spirits and give people hope. Inspiring people is the best part of being an idol, isn't it?

[He gives Eichi's hand a squeeze.]

If I see her, I'll send her your love.

[finethanks]

That... is true.

[But he wonders how soon he can do it, if he can do it at all. He stares at their hands.]

Thank you, Dazai-san. Are you cold in there?

[thesettingsun]

I'm fine, thank you. ...But maybe you could sing me something?

[It's too early for him to sleep, but... he'd like to hear Eichi's beautiful singing voice one last time.]

[finethanks]

...Of course. I'll sing the lovely song you made for me, and... is there anything else you'd like to hear?

[He has to loosen his scarf slightly to sing, anyway, but new bruising is hardly visible in this lighting. More than anything, he wants to be sure he can sing loud, strong, and elegant as always.]

[thesettingsun]

...This is silly to even ask, but... do you know any songs in Tsugaru-ben?

[He doubts it. The dialect isn't regarded very well, and even people from Tsugaru like himself try to hide it when among others.

But on his last night here, he misses home more than anything.]

[finethanks]

Ah, that's right... You're from... Kanagi, wasn't it?

[He tries to think.] How difficult... Even to this day, Tsugaru-ben is quite difficult. I've heard that there are competitions and the like for foreigners to attempt the dialect themselves, but for me...

[Umm, he's trying to think of a song...! But, he can't.] I'm sorry, Dazai-san. Even if it's your last wish, I can't think of a single one I'm familiar with. If only I had Keito's talents, and I could play you some Tsugaru-jamisen, at the very least, but...

[He can't.]

[thesettingsun]

It's alright. I shouldn't have asked.

[Because he'd figured Eichi wouldn't know anything, and now he's just made Eichi feel worse by being unable to fulfill his request.]

Any song you want to sing will be more than enough.

[finethanks]

[Well then... He pulls back and stands, since his voice won't come out exactly how he wants it while sitting. From there, he sings. The song Dazai wrote for him, and then Tryst of Stars which is a very personal piece he's shared with two other people so far, but it seems fitting. That even if he won't make it til tomorrow, he was glad they met.]

[thesettingsun]

[Eichi's voice is as beautiful as ever. The song Dazai wrote for him - that he wrote, even if a replacement 'Dazai' is summoned it won't be his song - and the song Eichi chooses, fitting in more ways than one.

Dazai realizes that if time were passing normally, he would have spent Tanabata in this castle.]

Thank you. Really, I...

[He's tearing up, but he only notices when he gets too choked up to continue. He swallows and tries to speak again.]

...Thank you for being my friend, Eichi.

[finethanks]

That's not something that I should be thanked for.

[He has to catch his breath, and he's so tired now that he actually wobbles a little, resting against the wall nearby.]

Forgive me. It seems as though I've gotten up to a little too much, tonight. But, Dazai-san... I'm glad I was able to meet you.

[thesettingsun]

Get your rest tonight.

[Dazai can't imagine that tomorrow's execution will be pleasant to watch. Eichi should at least get a good night's sleep to prepare.]

...If there's anything you want forwarded to any of the dead, I can tell them.