quietly slides in here (voice test and new chapter talk)

[prefects]

Betrayal is such a hurtful thing, isn't it? I must apologize, but it's a topic that I do not wish to talk about at the moment.

I'm quite more curious about what are you going to do with such a man like myself. You do seem different from the usual crowd, a little charming but stubborn.

Not that "picking me up" is the problem, it's just there is still a lot you need to learn about me. I suppose the time will come someday.

Comments

[contriving]

Following that logic, you would also wish to speak nothing of or to me.

[prefects]

Precisely. [His emotions on Maurice right now? Pretty much the worst combination of angry, upset, and hurt. Even if there are some questions, he just...does not want to ask. Just too disappointed.]

[contriving]

My actions and deeds were dishonest...a falsity. A lie.

But the respect I hold for you Redmond was always true. I idolize you. I just...I wished so desperately to impress you.

In the end, I've disappointed you beyond redemption.

[prefects]

...I couldn't even bear to get out of my seat after hearing every single word you said. You didn't just hurt me, you hurt the entire house and the entire school right behind my back.

It hurts to even speak with you right now.

[contriving]

Knowing I've disgusted you...It hurts to exist.

[prefects]

Are you going to redeem yourself?

[contriving]

Without a doubt. I do not know how yet...but I cannot live with myself if you look at me with such contempt. The others...They can look at me however they wish, but I cannot bear a disappointed gaze from you.

1/2

[prefects]

Such dedication.

If you want to regain my trust and rebuild our previous relationship, there is a lot of work to be done. Do what you must without manipulating people to do your work for you.

And remember...

2/2

[prefects]

[He pulls out that certain photo that everyone in school saw on that day from his waistcoat.]

I lack the ability to judge.

Do you understand, Cole?

[1/2]

[contriving]

_{[All he had were his looks, sweet words and ability to string along people. Aside from that, he didn't have any particular outstanding skills. He tenses when he sees the photo, bile rising in his throat. It's such a hideous display...he feels sick. Redmond may say he lacks the ability to judge, but that isn't true. Humans are judgmental by nature.]}

[2/2]

[contriving]

I understand.

Please, destroy it. The photograph. _{[Even if there'd been numerous copies that had circulated around the school, the fact Redmond had went out of his way to keep one, if only to wave it in his face, makes him feel ill.]} If you are truly as non judgmental as you claim, you will grant me at least this request.

[prefects]

Of course. [And there it goes, ripping the photo into tiny pieces beyond repair. The photo brings no difference in his eyes, it's still the same Maurice that he knows. The school maintenance are still cleaning up the ones that students never picked up.]

Is there anything else you would like to say?

[contriving]

I wish to start anew from this very moment, Redmond.

[prefects]

Then get to it. [conversation over? There isn't much else to say.]

[contriving]

Yes.

[her_watchdog]

My, there's a face I never expected to find here. Now if only I could get my mundane to stop flailing...

[prefects]

Let her enjoy the moment. Her arms will get tired at some point.

[her_watchdog]

Eventually.

[And turns on the "perfect schoolboy" act.] Anyway, have you been well?

[prefects]

If we ignore the factors of the recent events, I guess you can say that I have been well.

[her_watchdog]

I do apologize. I truly did not wish to create any trouble. I simply couldn't stand by and do nothing, however.

[prefects]

I should be the one apologizing to you. If I would have known sooner, I would have put a stop to it.

I still would love to talk to you, however.

[her_watchdog]

No need for that. It couldn't have been helped.

I'd be honored.

[twentysixthprince]

Devi says she likes you! And I know that betrayal can hurt a lot... but you will overcome it one day.

[violet_wolf]

I think they might be jumping the gun.