14 [Voice]

[drawnbythesword]

[The journal clicks on, to show one depressed-looking Asbel.]

...To anyone who knew Malik Caesars or Pascal here... I'm sorry to say they've been sent home. [The less time he dwells on it, the better, right? Right, of course.]

First Sophie, and now those two...

Comments

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[A sigh.]

Was it really that obvious...?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I also recognized your handwriting.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

...O-oh. [Well, that's embarrassing.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard just chuckles fondly.]

I'll always treasure it because it came from you.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Is it really that special? It's just a notebook...

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

It was something that you put thought into, so to me, it's very special.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[Some would argue Asbel putting thought into anything, but... details.]

Well... I'm glad you like it, then.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

But that still doesn't give me the answer of what to do with it.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Well... Just write whatever in it? It's a private journal, so write your thoughts in it.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

My thoughts...

... thank you, Asbel.

[And because Richard is better at showing things through actions, he takes Asbel's hand and gives it a squeeze.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[But he didn't really do anything. He just picked a gift that would be simple that Richard could still enjoy. And now he looks confused.]

Ah... You're welcome?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It's because Richard has rarely ever received gifts that were actually heartfelt rather than obligatory, Asbel. You know your friend is socially stunted.]

I only hope that you will get as much use out of my gift to you.

[It took him a while to find the perfect gift okay.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Of course I will. I can hardly wait for an opportunity to use them.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I'd be happy to help you test them out if you'd like.

[He smiles at his friend, then pauses for a moment in his walking, looking distracted.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[Oh Richard, Asbel could never ask you to spar with him. Even if you did already do it once with him.

When Richard stops, Asbel stares at him confusedly, pausing in his stride.]

...What's wrong?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[But he can keep up with you now, Asbel! He's much stronger than before. :(

Right now, though, he looks decidedly pale.]

It's nothing; I just felt light-headed for a moment. I probably should have eaten more for lunch earlier.

[... like Richard actually eats.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[Asbel knows your games by now, Richard.]

...Richard. [That tone is not pleased.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I'll be fine, Asbel.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Have you even eaten today?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I had breakfast and lunch earlier.

[Not MUCH for either, though.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

What did you eat?

[Action] ... LMAO those keywords

[ledbythewind]

...

[Damn it. He doesn't really want to lie, but...]

[Action] B[

[drawnbythesword]

[Well, Richard? He's waiting. Asbel's lived with you long enough to know some of your eating habits.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[He's actually about to give a very evasive answer when whoa why is everything suddenly spinning like that...

... and down he goes.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Ahh! Richard! [The moment Richard goes down, Asbel's rushing right to his side.]