My heart is a ghost town

[toremainbehind]

[The bar's been closed on a day it shouldn't be closed, but it couldn't be helped.

Izumo has chosen to take the day off, shooing everyone out of the bar, except for Mikoto and Anna since they live there. Right now, he didn't want to be near HOMRA, being reminded only of memories of Totsuka. Little tokens from Totsuka's hobbies all over the bar, placed neatly in places that can be seen but not in the way, rarely touched now.

Much like the films Totsuka had recorded during his time alive.

It's how he eventually finds himself in his apartment, perched on his couch with a shot glass of Vodka in hand and one of Totsuka's films playing. He's not quite paying attention to it, focused on the sounds rather than the images playing. Every time he hears Totsuka's voice on film, he takes a shot, his throat burning from the alcohol but it was a burn he welcomes all the same.]

Comments

[toremainbehind]

Doubt my opinions would mean much, anyway.

[Dont think he didn't notice that.]

This person...someone who's close?

[preciousmemories]

Your opinions mean a lot, to me and King.

[Granted, that's just when Mikoto's actually in a mood to listen to people.]

Do you really need to know? I was the one who told them not to mention it, so...

[toremainbehind]

Not in this case.

[Not when it comes to revenge, despite Izumo sort of giving Mikoto his blessing to get revenge for Totsuka. He knew what would happen when Mikoto succeeds, and the thought makes him realize even more how alone he'd end up being.]

It's your decision ta tell me or not. I won't force ya.

[preciousmemories]

I think King's too...tired to actually listen to anyone now.

[Well, they all knew Mikoto would die someday. They've known since he became a King. This is just far sooner than they expected.

...Maybe it'd be fine if he just didn't say it in a way that it was clear Anna was the one who told him.]

They thought I didn't believe them, since I didn't leave you guys after. I did, but...even though I knew I wouldn't live long if I was around King, I liked this way of living a lot more than before I met the two of you.

[toremainbehind]

He's slowly reaching his point.

[And all Izumo can do is watch him slowly die.]

You're talking about Anna.

[preciousmemories]

Y--I didn't say that!

[It's all any of them can do but...Izumo is too sharp. He forgot he has to be even more vague if he doesn't want him to catch onto the idea and...

It's too late now, with that reaction.]

[toremainbehind]

No, but your reaction says it all.

[Anna knew. Of course she did.

But to not be told that Totsuka will eventually die?

Izumo decides it's time for a smoke.]

[preciousmemories]

[Can't argue with that...

Tatara exhales slowly.]

It's why I thought she was a Strain. I told her not to tell anyone, so don't bring it up to her...please.

[toremainbehind]

I won't. I'm not that cruel.

Doesn't mean I'm not upset with ya for knowing about this.

[preciousmemories]

[He sighs, closing his eyes and leaning against a table or the couch wherever they are.]

I was only told I wouldn't live long if I stayed around him. What could I have done?

We already said leaving wasn't an option.

[toremainbehind]

[Probably a table and Izumo decides to sit next to him.]

D'ya remember the talk we had? Right when Mikoto first made us his clansmen?

[preciousmemories]

[Give him a moment...]

Which one? [The one about Tatara being like a puppy, the one about being chains to bind Mikoto....Another one that he's not actually remembering right now...]

[toremainbehind]

[He'll be nice and not bring up that other one.]

The one of you being the one who holds Mikoto back.

in which i actually have trouble remembering canon details

[preciousmemories]

Ah yeah. [He lifts his head and looks at Izumo.]

Sorry, I don't think I can stop him anymore, even though you have his back.

Don't worry, I don't remember much either.

[toremainbehind]

It's different for me and him. He doesn't depend on me like he depends on you.

\o/

[preciousmemories]

We depend on each other for different things. [You're the one who gives us something to come back to. Mikoto was the one who made sure we were still alive, and I was the one who made sure none of us lost themselves along the way.]

It's unfair, how similar this is to that chicken race from before then...

[toremainbehind]

It's ironic how everything has become now.

[Fate is a cruel mistress indeed.]

You died by chance, I keep on living, and Mikoto just keeps running straight to his death.

[preciousmemories]

That's King for you...

["This is a story full of happiness" right until 11:45pm...]

Sorry we're leaving you behind with the kingdom we made together.

[toremainbehind]

I suppose all fairy tales need to come to an end eventually.

[preciousmemories]

Well, it was a happy life. ["Blissful" isn't exactly the word he would use.

They lived happily until they died, huh...]

[toremainbehind]

When you see Mikoto in the afterlife, punch him for me.

[preciousmemories]

You could punch him now for me too. Circle of Friends was a wish for you guys to keep going and he didn't listen.

[Talking with a ghost and making plans to punch their mutual best friend. Never mind that Mikoto would probably just catch Tatara's hand.]

[toremainbehind]

He rarely listens. Only when he's in the mood.

[preciousmemories]

[He laughs again.]

Those were already really infrequent. I don't know when we'll see one of them again...

[He may be a ghost, but he's still going to see them again!]

[toremainbehind]

Hmm, perhaps one day soon.

[When everything will go downhill.]