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[he doesn't see, because he doesn't look over. he folds his hands, pressing his palms tightly against each other for a breath before relaxing them.]

Then as long as...no one else goes there, then no one else gets hurt from it.

Right?

Yes, but... we need to find out what it's here for. More people might get hurt.

[ She's bothered by that idea. ]

I thought...there were people who did things like that. The heroes, that is. That's their job...right?

[he peers sidelong her way, frowning.

why her? why Cass? why his family?]

[ It's also her job, she tells herself. With the power of a Persona, Haru feels it's her moral obligation to step in where others can't, or even if they can, to assist them in order to protect everyone else. ]

It wouldn't be right if I stayed back and watched others risk their lives for me or my friends. Not when I have the power to do something about it.

...

[she's saying the kinds of things he says to himself when the others go out. everyone tells him to stay behind, stay safe...and off they go, coming back bruised, broken...if at all.

so it really isn't right. if someone as good as Haru has to go and get hurt, but he's at home, doing nothing.]

Someone who...can help. But doesn't. Then they're...

[just a waste, right?]

[ She isn't following Martin's train of thought, so she looks over at him puzzled. ]

What do you mean? [ Still, she tries to decipher it. ] Well, um, everyone has their reasons for staying behind.

It was best there were people back on Earth in case something dangerous appeared here.

[he doesn't look her way, but his face gets redder, ashamed of himself and the way he thinks. it's not her fault he's this way or that, and...maybe it's good of her to go and help? if it's her job.

is it?

he doesn't know.

what's fair and unfair in this world...he doesn't wholly know that, either. just the small offenses in his small life here and the lives of ones he cares about. Haru, too.

he doesn't want to think about this anymore.]

If you're...glad you went, then... [then what? does that make it fine? fine for her, maybe.]

Then...?

[ She's not following anymore, but she notes the blood has risen to his face and he seems... uncomfortable.

More so than he usually is. ]

Do you think I made a mistake going?

[his head dips down, shoulder shrugging up.]

I don't know.

I don't believe I did.

[ Haru doesn't interject, but her response comes swiftly and firmly after Martin's uncertain one. What he says isn't an affront to her, not when a long time ago she decided what she would do with her power. ]

I've been able to help people with my power before. I don't think I would be able to stop that, even in this world.

I suppose it's simply my sense of justice that keeps me going.

[ A sheepish smile. ]

[he gulps against a hard lump in his throat, but there's still some thickness in his voice when he eventually utters:] It's because you're good.

[ She can't help but laugh a little at that, though her body is so sore it sort of hurts to even do that. ]

You're very kind, Martin.

No.

[not even the tinkling bells of her laugh seem to be able to shake the dreadful fog settled in him.

rather, the hitch in her breath burns in his ears and adds more weight.]

I just...don't lie. That's all.

I try to be good. It's... it's difficult for me to be a harsh person, but I suppose much of that was because of the environment I grew up in.

[ She could have been a haughty, spoiled heiress, but she couldn't stand others like that. ]

And that is why I try to help others in need. When you don't have the power to protect yourself... it's such an awful feeling.

[he doesn't reply, and aside from a brief, flickering glance, it doesn't appear that he hears her, either. he does, but...what does he say? that he feels sick that she, good as she is, feels compelled to go into danger? that...that's what good people do? Rex went, Cass went. there's fewer better than them.

yet whenever something bad happens, what does Martin do?

maybe he should be somehow grateful he always freezes up in danger; at least then he can't run away.

When you don't have the power to protect yourself...it's such an awful feeling.]

I know.

[quite a late reply, but.]

... sorry, I'm rambling now, aren't I?

[ She isn't sure what to say in response to how quiet he's been. Is he mad with her? It doesn't seem so, not with him saying he doesn't tend to lie and he had already said he wasn't upset about her going.

But then what's going on in his head? She almost wishes she had gained the power of mind-reading to find out. ]

No.

[her concern does poke some holes in the grim fog he's stuck in; there's a bit of his typical anxiousness peeking out when he peers back her way.]

I like hearing you talk. Even if...I don't know what better to say. Sorry.

[ She giggles quietly, nudging his shoulder with hers gently (as to not knock him clear off the bed). While Haru can be a physically affectionate person, she's rather private about her fondness for others, but in the case with Martin it seems to come naturally. Sort of like having a younger sibling you can joke around with. ]

Thank you and Rex for everything. I didn't mean to impose on any of you...

[ She gestures to the flowers. ]

Did you put these in here?

[his cheeks flush anew at the innocent gesture, which only does more to air out that fog. he may hate himself, but it's hard to stay focused on that when she's around. even now, after getting so hurt, she's still so kind and thoughtful...]

Ye-yes. You liked the other ones a lot, so...I just thought, maybe...it'd be better if there were more here.

They're very pretty!

[ It's hard to think otherwise, being a lover of plants and flowers. They do provide a sense of coziness to the room. ]

I hope you'll let me take some home after.

[bashful:] I got them for you, so...so you can take them if you want. Like a present.

Thank you... I'll be sure to put them in a vase as soon as I can.

I think for now I'll rest a little while longer. I hope that's okay.

[ She still feels heavily exhausted, her body not ready for any real movement. ]

Oh-- [he hesitates, then gets to his feet. that was a cue, right? a cue to buzz off?] I, I can go back downstairs, then. If that's fine.

I'll be down in an hour, if that's fine?

Yes. Yes, whatever you want. It's fine. I'm--I'll... [he hesitates. he's never been good at closing conversations. so, red-faced, he backs away, then turns and heads out the door.] 'Bye. [and closes it behind him.]

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