[could it be true? could it be real and not his desperate mind clinging for anything that might keep him closer to life? he doesn't know - only that he wants to believe but he considers Ishikirimaru kind enough to go and feel obligated. hope extended to a man that could grasp at anything.]
...Do you...mean that?
[a question, a reprimand. don't lie to him, not in this state. he can accept the truth - to be able to say it is its own relief, though the flowers crowd his heart. Nikkari hopes, hopes it's real, that if he reaches out, Ishikirimaru will be there, but....there is the fear that has held him back the whole time, resurging. telling him to doubt. that it's hopeless now.]
no subject
...Do you...mean that?
[a question, a reprimand. don't lie to him, not in this state. he can accept the truth - to be able to say it is its own relief, though the flowers crowd his heart. Nikkari hopes, hopes it's real, that if he reaches out, Ishikirimaru will be there, but....there is the fear that has held him back the whole time, resurging. telling him to doubt. that it's hopeless now.]