CANDLECALLS

[everfixedmark]

it's not like i forgot this or anything

Comments

[clocksandroses]

Not at all?

[everfixedmark]

I don't think so. I'm sure he'd make some wisecrack about not being able to soul-search without a soul.

[clocksandroses]

That's . . . Huh?

[MOUSE DON'T SAY THINGS LIKE THAT]

[everfixedmark]

[You hear a muffled "No lies detected" in the background]

Something like that.

[clocksandroses]

Why would he say something like that?

[everfixedmark]

Because he enjoys putting me down?

[clocksandroses]

[opens mouth]

[closes mouth]

. . . So it's a little like when Kaito called me ugly and fat?

[everfixedmark]

[OFFENDED] Kaito called you that?!

[clocksandroses]

You're more offended by that than Mouse calling you soulless?

[everfixedmark]

Of course!

[clocksandroses]

Why?

[everfixedmark]

He can only guess at the state of my soul, but anyone can look at you and see you're slender and pretty!

[clocksandroses]

I'd have thought that Mouse's insult was worse . . .

As for Kaito . . . He's. Well. He could be a little thoughtless back then.

[everfixedmark]

If I let Mouse's words sting me, I'd be a mess. I just don't let it bother me unless I know it's true.

[clocksandroses]

. . . Mm, that's a good way to go about it.

[HA HA HA HA orz]

[everfixedmark]

It's easy when I can assess them against myself. Honestly, I think the main reason we get along so well is because he knows he won't tear me to pieces.

[clocksandroses]

[Her expression sinks into thoughtfulness.]

Have you always been able to think of yourself so objectively?

[everfixedmark]

Always...? I don't know about that. I think I've had better luck thinking of myself objectively than thinking of other things objectively in general.

[clocksandroses]

It's always been the other way around for me, I think . . .

Though with some issues, I could never stop my feelings from getting the better of me.

[everfixedmark]

Feelings are what they are.

[clocksandroses]

Feelings are precious. But . . . I can't deny that they clouded my judgement sometimes. It feels better now that I can see both sides more clearly.

[everfixedmark]

The problem is when you act on your feelings even while analysing why it's all a terrible idea.

[clocksandroses]

. . . Mm.

What happened?

[everfixedmark]

Oh, nothing specific, it's just a trend.

[clocksandroses]

Okay . . . That makes sense.

[There's a beat.]

Shion, did you ever hear about what Kaito does for a living?