expiationnet | ( video )

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It seems that no matter where I find myself, flowers always carry a significant meaning, huh...?

[Ritsu has tried to focus the video on Aldrip's flower field, but since he's using a device that's utterly alien to him, he's decided to err on the side of caution and spend maybe a little too long panning over empty scenery. You know, just in case he's too zoomed in, or the image comes out too blurry, or something else of that nature.

Eventually, though, he does adjust it to focus on himself.]

Where I come from, each day is associated with a flower, and if you happen to be born on that day, then that flower is designated your "birth flower."

If you're interested, why not tell me your birthday? In exchange, I'll tell you your birth flower and its meaning. Given the wide selection of flowers here... maybe I'll even be able to find it.

[He has completely neglected to introduce himself, but clearly flowers are more important.]

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[This would be like Ritsu. A charming introduction, and seemingly innocent, way to introduce himself. Eiji has seen Ritsu do it before, of course. Yet he can’t help but he impressed by all the people he draws.

Eiji shouldn’t be surprised. Ritsu naturally draws others to him. His presence, his very voice, is captivating.

And yet again, they’ve found each other someplace new. Have found themselves together. That too shouldn’t be a surprise.

Wherever one of them is, the other is sure to follow.]

What a charming introduction.

March 15th.

[Eiji knows at least some of it, of course. But why not asks.]

[Here's a conundrum: should he treat Eiji the way he would any other, or should he react in a way that makes it obvious they know each other? The former is tempting, but he's also not sure he wants to give anyone who might be listening in the wrong impression. It would likely result in a misunderstanding that would be a pain to clear up.]

Something tells me that you're already well-acquainted with the iberis, but shall we discuss why it has such contrary meanings?

The iberis is a small, white flower. Its cute appearance, coupled with the way it always faces the sun, earned it the meanings of "sweet temptation" and "to charm the heart." However, isn't there something that seems a little cruel about a plant that only cares for the sun? Nothing else matters to it — it's a flower that won't look your way unless you can offer it sunlight. Thus, it also has the meaning, "indifference."

[What a perfect flower for Eiji to wear on his vest, really.]

March 15th's other flower is no less vexing.

[He adjusts the video feed so that it's pointing at a white flower.]

Eiji, what flower do you think this is?

[To an untrained eye, it's probably extremely difficult to tell: what makes this flower so dangerous is the fact that it looks so similar to two very deadly plants. Is that a fact that Eiji is already aware of?]

[Eiji listens intently, keenly, to Ritsu’s explanation, and to his lead. Eiji had left his own introduction ambiguous on purpose. Let Ritsu help set the pace for the amount of obfuscation they’ll practice with the others here.

This is a topic they’ve spoke about before, of course. Even still, Eiji could have the talk a hundred times over. There is nothing quite as tempting, that can draw him, as the sound of Ritsu’s voice. Ritsu’s voice, that’s his sunlight.

Eiji examines the other flower as Ritsu presents it.]

Is it not hemlock?

[It resembles it, but Eiji already knows that isn’t likely to be the answer. That would be too simple, wouldn’t it?

Yet, even if it is…there’s no doubt Ritsu will make the lesson fascinating.]

It looks like one, doesn't it? To the point that its Japanese name is the "imitation hemlock." The easiest way to differentiate between it and the real deal is a single, tiny speck of red usually found at the center. It seems that in England, this flower is known as Queen Anne's lace for that reason — it's said that that speck of red is a drop of her blood. Its meaning is, "a lovely heart."

[This is incredibly detailed, but that's because Ritsu has had plenty of time to read up on Eiji's flowers.]

Did you know? The imitation hemlock is completely harmless — but it's wisest not to go anywhere near it regardless. As I'm sure Eiji is already aware, the hemlock that you mistook it for is anything but harmless. In Christian mythology, it's said that it grew on the hill of Jesus' crucifixion and was forever changed when it came into contact with his blood. Every single part of that plant is poisonous, and consumption of even small amounts is fatal.

That's why it means, "You will be the death of me."

["A lovely heart" definitely doesn't fit Eiji, but this... Well, it's kind of uncanny, isn't it?

And yet, Ritsu isn't done.]

But that's not the most dangerous plant the imitation hemlock shares an appearance with.

Fascinating as always, Ritsu. There is never a conversation we have where I don't learn something new.

[Whether it be about the topic at hand, or about Ritsu, or even about himself, Eiji is certain to learn something new while speaking with Ritsu. Every conversation brings a new bit of information to it. It is something that he admires - no, that Eiji loves - about Ritsu. The fact that on an intellectual level, a curiosity level, Ritsu is easily a match for Eiji.

Eiji tilts his head a little bit.]

No? What else could it be?

[He aims to impress. While it isn't quite the approach Ritsu takes with the others, Eiji has made it more than clear that he values intelligence and initiative.

It's something Ritsu can work with. Far more bearable, in fact, than pretending to have anything in common with a pervert like Stork or a sadist like Wicked.]

The giant hogweed.

Have you heard of phototoxicity? It's a condition in which someone becomes extremely sensitive to light, and it just so happens that the sap of the giant hogweed contains a chemical that causes it.

If your skin comes in contact with the hogweed, then it will then burn in the presence of sunlight. If your eyes are affected, then you may even go blind.

[A plant that can cause third degree burns. It's eerie how well it fits the man who can wield fire as his weapon with ease.]

Those afflicted can only hide themselves away in the dark.

[He finds himself thinking of Tadokoro, so terrified of Eiji that he went as far as to delete his social media presence and change his face.]

The person who decided to give it the meaning of "an unforgettable encounter" had a nasty sense of humor, don't you think?

[Eiji can't suppress the small grin that begins. Not only is it such a little known bit of information, but it's wonderful in how in line it is with himself. A plant that can leave its mark by burning you when daylight touches it. It's genuinely funny.]

It's certainly a plant you wouldn't forget, is it? It's an encounter one would learn from, I think

[There are some things you just don't fuck with. Like Eiji.]

If I came across a plant like this, it might instill in me a lifelong fear of plants.

[It's a statement that's likely amusing to Eiji in its irony. Shikishima Ritsu has not, after all, done the wise thing and chosen to stay away from Biwasaka Eiji.

Perhaps that's hubris on his part. It's not that he isn't aware of how dangerous Eiji is. But part of him must have been convinced he could handle Eiji regardless, right? That he's the only one capable of doing so.

He wonders if any part of Eiji is insulted by that.]

Really? Is that all you would feel?

[Eiji hums at that, a sound of disbelief. No. It may not be the danger itself that attracts Ritsu to Eiji - and, conversely, Eiji to Ritsu, for if there is a man Eiji can be certain is dangerous it's Shikishima Ritsu - but the danger certainly has to add to the curiosity and interest.]

I would think I'd want to learn more about it.

[That's because you're unusual, Eiji. You're the only one who viewed fighting digiheads as a way to cure your boredom, after all — and that's not even getting into how sadistic you got when you were pummeling them into the ground.

But they've already had that conversation. Ritsu knows what Eiji is really getting at.]

I think that sort of curiosity is likely the reason we know anything about how this plant works. In spite of how dangerous it is, someone wanted to look into it regardless.

But as they say... "Curiosity killed the cat," right? Would you still be interested if you knew that interest would inevitably lead to you getting burned?

Getting burned is sometimes the best way to learn. No one likes to get burnt, of course.

[Eiji most certainly does not. He hates it. If he could avoid punishment, he would do so at all costs.]

But there are some lessons we can only learn that way. Who knows what we might unlock, if we study something enough.

[Ritsu is silent. The double meaning here is so interesting that he can't help but ask, even if the public nature of their exchange means they can only speak in riddles at each other.]

And what have you learned, Eiji?

[Eiji is quiet at that. What has he learned. Where can he even start? He's learned much over the last year. He's been burnt, and burnt in turn, again and again. How might he even answer, in so brief a way?]

I've learned that no matter how many times I might be burnt, my curiosity won't be sated. Once I have an interest, I will discover all I can about it.

[He will not leave you, Ritsu. Never. Until the end of all things, they are tied together.]

Edited 2023-02-20 21:45 (UTC)

[When you put it like that, it makes it sound as if you've been terribly abused by Ritsu, Eiji. But Ritsu is self-aware enough to know that Eiji's characterization of the situation isn't exactly unfair.

He has indeed burned Eiji quite a few times.]

...That may be a trait we have in common.

[Ritsu's voice is soft. In spite of the guilt he feels, he's awed as well. Maybe he'll be awed to hear it no matter how many times Eiji expresses the sentiment. Is it because there's always part of him that's convinced there's no way he's worthy of that kind of interest? Is it because he's surer still that the only reason anyone could possibly express such fondness for him is as a ploy to manipulate him?

Maybe his pessimism can't be cured. It's a terrible fault, a self-sabotaging and terrible thing — the poison in his veins that's burned Eiji so many times.

He scoffs at himself, then adds jokingly...]

I wonder what that says about our self-preservation skills.

We've survived this far, haven't we Ritsu?

[Granted, that is a bit misleading. If Ritsu is to be believed, Eiji most definitely did not survive the timeline Ritsu is from. Nor did Ritsu. Or anyone. And they did not exactly get through Hell without any challenges or going unharmed.

Still.

Here they are, together. As always.]

I'd say we're doing well for ourselves.

[He's not really sure if being brought to an unknown place to await sentencing for a crime can really be thought of as doing well, but... Well, this place does seem almost quaint so far.]

It doesn't seem difficult to make a decent living here, at the very least.

[It's very suspicious, and Ritsu is sure the other shoe has yet to drop — but after what they've seen, can it really get worse?]

There's no shortage of paying jobs to take, but as for an actual wage... [They'd need something more long-term than just the odd job here and there.] Well, what do you think, Eiji?

[For all his open bluster, Eiji is sure another shoe will be dropping. How long, no one can say. But like Ritsu, he doubts it will be worse.]

It would be a good idea to see what needs there might be among us here. Although, at the very least, medical assistance is always in high demand.

[They could try the clinic again. Not have to worry about as many weirdos or perverts swarming it and making a mess of things. Let alone having to deal with some dumb fool who thought it wise to pull a knife in a place of business.]

Would you have the role of manager again?

[Not that he minds, of course. He's gotten pretty used to letting Eiji take the lead.]

I think it's the one I fit the most easily in. I'd make a poor doctor, don't you think Ritsu?

...Well...

[He places a hand to his chin as if it's a problem he's seriously considering.]

Your bedside manner is somewhat lacking, I suppose.

[He's just messing with Eiji. Maybe.]

Is it, Ritsu?

[Eiji tilts his head a little. Playing along like he's genuinely worried.]

Tell me. What could I do to improve?

[He briefly mulls on that.]

Why don't we practice the next time I'm feeling under the weather?

I'll grade you on your performance.

[Eiji gives a small grin at that.]

I would be honored, Ritsu. I could think of no finer teacher.

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