[the smell of cigarette smoke lingers in Ritsuka's bedroom, as bitter and suffocating as the secrets Soubi had finally revealed just moments before.

It can't be true.

Ritsuka knows how often Soubi lies to him. but until now, Soubi's lies have always seemed to be about protecting Ritsuka in some strange way. saying he loved him. saying he didn't know anything about seven moons. reassuring him that Seimei wasn't cruel.

Seimei.

Soubi wouldn't lie about something so serious; Soubi wouldn't be sadistic enough to tell Ritsuka that Seimei is alive when he really isn't. it would serve no purpose, and if Ritsuka were thinking more charitably he would acknowledge that Soubi would never lie to hurt him. so it has to be true.

Seimei is alive.

somewhere, somehow, Ritsuka would have gotten to see his brother again. for the first time since his arrival Ritsuka regrets being brought to the prison. but before he can dwell too much on what it means for Seimei to be alive in a world Ritsuka no longer belongs to, another more heart-wrenching thought seizes him.

Seimei is alive, and Soubi didn't tell me.

even if Soubi thought they were from the same point in time, it had been nearly a week since they had figured out the truth. nearly a week and Soubi had not said one word until now. and that, above all things, is what Ritsuka cannot handle right now. that is what makes him burst out of the room, not even bothering to lock the door behind him, and run as fast as he can to Roxas's clocktower. half of it is instinct, the strong sense of comfort he feels around his friend driving him towards him, but Ritsuka is also strongly aware of how deep his trust runs with Roxas. he has shared secrets with him he's barely breathed a word of to anyone else here, and it is that trust he needs right now.

he makes his way to the base of the clocktower, sweaty and shivering in the chill night air. he takes a moment to catch his breath, finally switching his communicator on voice:]

Roxas?

[ooc: happens soon after this post with Soubi]

Good morning, everyone. I'm glad that there was little trouble yesterday, and you will all be happy to know that all traces of the chemical have been filtered out, and the effects some of you were experiencing should have worn off completely.

Those of you who were engaged in... rule-breaking behavior yesterday under the influence can rest assured that after consideration, I have decided not to exact punishment, since I am aware that you were not capable of making informed decisions. Please remember that, in the future, certain behaviors are not acceptable by this facility's rules, and you may review the facility rules in various locations throughout the dome.

Elena Gilbert, I have retrieved your personal belongings, as per your request. You may ask any robot in Sector 0 for them, and they will be retrieved.

( Pre-Video )

[Large brown eyes open, and a familiar, petite girl appears on screen. Only something's missing. A lot of something. Where long, thick hair once rolled past her shoulders, it's short, now, barely sneaking past the bottom of her chin. Sitting at a vanity in her room, she doesn't bother to draw attention to it. That isn't her reason for turning the device on.]

I've done a lot of thinking since I came to this place. It's cruel and unfair while treating everyone equal. We never know what to expect, either - whether it's an uprising or even chemical gases in the air. There's just no telling. But whether trying to escape or making this your permanent home, it's where we live for the time being.

That's why, I think it's good to protect what we do have here. Because what happens here is just as real as at home.

[She shakes her head]

Because I couldn't remember a good chunk of my time in Marina in the past, I've felt uncertain about a lot of different things. And even more confused and upset by actions at home, but - I think I'm finally beginning to figure things out.

[Eyes closing she draws a deep, peaceful breath.]

I know some people were effected negatively yesterday. To those of you who were, remember that today's a new day. Don't punish yourself for the past, and just concentrate on the present. In the end that's the only thing we have control of. I'll do the same, too. [A nod, before glancing back up into the screen, jaw set in determination.]

Suzuka-san, it's not too late to join the Defense Force, right? Lavi-kun - I promise I'll study for the next test. And Zero? Let's go get shio ramen together.

[Serious face, deadpan mannerisms, not wanting to talk about feelings or sob life stories. Okay good, everything really did seem back to normal.]

We've reached normality. Let's hope it stays this way.

[A pause.]

Oi, Asshole, let's go for drinks. I could really use some.

[Another pause.]

So wait, does this mean optional clothing at the beach can't be a thing we have forever? Shit. Should've soaked it up while I had the chance.