kotetsu t. kaburagi

[grigori]

Comments

[sponsoredby]

Did I come at a bad time?

[ he's not sure what all happened there... ]

[grigori]

[ they laugh, caught somewhere between nervous and amused. ]

No, I think it's alright. We just... don't get people visiting often? Least of all like that.

Why'd you come looking, anyway?

[sponsoredby]

Because I was worried about missing something again.

[ he looks concerned about this. ]

Or, I don't know if "again" is the right word.

[grigori]

Ohhhh. Good instincts, Mister Kaburagi!

[ after pulling their hood up the rest of the way... ]

It's just us in here, though. There shouldn't be any windows.

[sponsoredby]

[ he is curiously looking between them ]

...Would something bad happen if I saw your faces? You all seem kind of nervous?

[grigori]

All we know for sure is that we're not allowed to take them off in front of anyone else yet. It's possible we might get turned to dust again if we tried?

[sponsoredby]

I can't lie and say I'm not curious, but I wouldn't want to make you guys go through something like that. Especially since you've all been wanting to help us the best you can.

[grigori]

Mm... Maybe we can try it soon and it'll be okay...? But definitely not yet.

[sponsoredby]

You let me know if you ever feel comfortable with it.

[grigori]

Oh, for sure! I don't mind the mask thing that much on its own, but I'd still like to be able to talk to people face to face, you know? It feels weird, being forced to use it instead of it being a choice we make ourselves.

[sponsoredby]

I guess I've used a mask to hide myself as a superhero, but I don't know if I'd enjoy it as much if it was something that I was forced to do.

[grigori]

Ah, that's right!

[ they light up immediately. ]

You are a hero! So you totally get it!

[sponsoredby]

Sometimes you have to wear a mask to protect those things that are most important to you.

[grigori]

That's right!

What's your hero name? Would you tell me?

[sponsoredby]

[ he points at himself, grinning a bit ]

Wild Tiger.

[ but laughs a little with a wince... he might still be pretty sore right now ]

[grigori]

Oh, that's just like...

[ their voice trails off. ]

Are you alright?

[sponsoredby]

[ he waves his hand ]

I'm fine. But you were saying...? Like...?

[grigori]

[ if he's sure... ]

Oh... I don't know how much I can say yet. But there's someone from home named Tiger who helps people, too.

[sponsoredby]

[ there's a smile at that ]

You'll have to tell me more about them later, when you feel like you're able.

[grigori]

Absolutely! I think our worlds might have a lot in common, actually, so I'd like to hear more about yours, too!

[sponsoredby]

[ the really does seem to brighten his spirits ]

Of course! I know I came in unannounced, but if you want to hear about it now, I'm free for it.

[grigori]

Would you?! We've got plenty of time!

[ a teenager is dead but now it's story time with the celestials ]

[sponsoredby]

[ look, this helps get his mind off of things. plus xl kind of topped him in talking about how a hero helped inspire hope in him and that was just plain rude ]

Sure, I think it could do me some good talking about it all anyway. Just as a reminder.

[grigori]

Are you worried you'll forget something important?

[sponsoredby]

[ he brings his hand up and taps his chest, over his heart ]

Not exactly forget. There's times where that resilience starts to wear down and you need a little boost.