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[oathtotheking]

Player-

You've committed yourself, already. If you want to seek a second game, even that will not be with me. I have work to do and a charge to fulfill; you can't just pluck me up to toy with because you're re-watching the series and you see him somewhere.

- Zero

Comments

[bursting]

Because that is who Gundam is.

[ Setsuna says such a baffling statement so directly, so convincingly, that it could not be considered anything but the truth, going by tone alone. Thankfully for Suzaku, he elaborates further. ]

I am Gundam. The hearts and minds of this world... I think they should come together. And I want to share that with you. There is a heart and mind inside of you, beating, alive. You are part of this world, too. And that means you cannot be a "Zero".

[ No, Suzaku, he still doesn't understand that it's a name, or rather chooses to ignore it in favor of trying to convince you that it is okay, it is alright, to shed the mask, if only figuratively, and let your guard down. Even in front of a stranger.

Setsuna lowers their hands and stands up tall, like the Gundam he is so proud of and strives to be. ]

You can be a sword. But you cannot be a "Zero".

[oathtotheking]

[He's patient for the explanation, taking it in as Setsuna brings it to light. Though it isn't entirely clear, he has a better idea. Or at least he assumes he does. It's a pretty picture he paints, and it isn't unlike the one he and Lelouch strove for. A world in some form of harmony--political, in their case. A world where tyranny doesn't strip away lives and cultures for the benefit of the motherland.

Zero's lips curve into a wry smile and that continued misunderstanding--one that makes sense, but all the same proves amusing in a way he'd not find in his own world. "Zero" was a symbol known worldwide, better in the eastern former-Britannian territories, and eastern Asia. His free hand lifts to rest on Setsuna's shoulder.]

I am both. There is meaning in being Zero; it's not a number, but a symbol.

[It just strips him of his identity. This is something he's mostly come to terms with, even as he struggles to live by it. It's an ongoing process.]

TAGS BACK A MILLION YEARS LATER

[bursting]

[ Setsuna is no artist, but he is an idealist, albeit a grittier a sort, a craftsman in his own way. Someone who shapes the future with his sword in the same manner Suzaku does, the man without a face and without a name save for the lie the world knows.

But a lie, as they both know, can do great good for the sake of all.

Setsuna returns the smile, warily, yet makes an effort nonetheless to show the good will he's been granted. ]

You remind me of him. [ His eyes flick downward, briefly, then back up again. ] There's blood on your hands, but there's a gentleness as well.

[ He steps closer. ]

I would like to know you better, someday.

IT'S OKAY BB

[oathtotheking]

[The lie is necessary, for now. It isn't one used to break something down, but rather to offer foundation and support. It isn't really something without genuine meaning, either--it's simply a new addition to an old meaning. In this case, a new bearer of the mask. He still will stand for all that is required of Zero, will still perform his duties as the symbol. It is a mask without ill-intent.

Zero tips his head slightly toward a shoulder, regarding Setsuna with the new angle. The world is still purple-toned with the visor before his eyes, but he can see clearly enough. The mention of gentleness has him wondering if that's really true at this point, but he opts not to question it. If it's something he still possesses the capability for, it'll show itself through deed.

For just a second, he glances down to see how close they stand.]

Someday.

[It's an easy, comfortable echo, because Setsuna seems like the sort of person he'd not mind knowing better. Earnest, but as aware of the world around him as is necessary. Though, Zero wonders if maybe there are still things Setsuna refuses to acknowledge.

With the friends Suzaku's kept, he doesn't find it surprising that he'd not be opposed to adding Setsuna to that short list.]