KOTETSU

[third_alternative]

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Do you still not remember?

[third_alternative]

[ shrugs ]

Not really. Just a little bit.

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Sorry I came on too strong when we saw each other last. I just wanted you to know that I really believed we'd all make it through this.

[ He reaches to the spot where he keeps the knife associated with his role. Assuming Rex heard the role reveal stuff. ]

Was it because of you getting your powers back?

[third_alternative]

The forgetting stuff? [ shakes his head ] No. I still remembered everything even after I got the power back. I only forgot after I died.

...apparently, it's been a problem with me for a while.

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What do you mean by that?

[ Sorry, he needs more information. ]

[third_alternative]

[ huffs ]

You think I remember?

All I know is, I forgot everything from before that week that I died. And then Tsurumaru told me that way back in our first week here, I told him I already didn't remember much. So it's not the first time it's happened to me, apparently.

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You ended up sharing a memory of yours that you didn't remember about. Did you ever try asking the Watchers? If... you were able to.

[third_alternative]

[ he gives Kotetsu a scrutinizing look. ]

I did. I managed to get some of my memories back--what my world was like, how my powers work--but that's about it.

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Was that through tasks they gave you?

[third_alternative]

[ a long pause as rex continues to scrutinize him. ]

...yeah.

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...

What?

[third_alternative]

...what is this? What are you doing here?

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What do you mean? Showing... compassion? Caring about you?

[third_alternative]

Do you?

[ care, that is. ]

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Yeah, I do. A lot.

Maybe you don't believe me, but it's true.

[third_alternative]

Well, good for you. I'm glad that you can convince yourself that you care.

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[ he stares and looks extremely hurt by that. ]

Rex... Why...? Why do you think I don't care?

[third_alternative]

Why would I think you do? Actions speak louder than words, remember?

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[ he stares at him ]

Do you think I've been sitting around doing nothing, Rex?

But... I suppose you wouldn't be able to know. Most of what I've had to do has had to been done in secret. All you see is me being idle. Sitting around and you thinking I'm just having some random love affair.

[ a hand runs through his hair, looking down. ]

Rex. Did you hear that I had a role to play while here? Were you listening at that time?

[third_alternative]

[ crosses his arms. ]

I did. And?

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I've been closing these windows across all these worlds. I've had to keep it a secret from basically everyone. I'm used to keeping things secret, hiding them. I didn't mind that part, but what I'm saying is... I've been working nonstop to help end this.

Working with others to get knowledge, spread what I could, protect what I could. And I failed, countless times. But I kept going because I had to, to help fix this problem. To help bring all of you back.

Even when I was injured, I had to keep working. But I was fine with it. I wanted to know I was helping, fighting to get things fixed. I'm sorry if that's not enough for you, Rex. I did try my best.

...But I also failed you. Failed when I hadn't realized what Susato did that day. Failed to put those pieces together. I had my suspicions, but that doesn't mean anything.

[third_alternative]

[ for the first time in this conversation, rex raises his voice ]

I don't care that Susato got away! Not anymore, anyway.

And I know what you did. I heard you, back there. But you would've done that whether I was alive or dead. Whether you cared or knew I existed at all. Spike didn't kill for Sheba, and you didn't close those windows for me.

So what proof do I have that you actually care, and aren't just saying it?

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[ this frustrates him and he feels a little lost. he feels so upset.

and maybe this isn't the move, but he grabs rex and tugs him in close. he pulls him into a huge. he doesn't care if he's punched in the gut or shoved away from it. ]

I care, dammit. I don't know what to do to show you, other than this, if you won't believe me.

[third_alternative]

[ yeah, kotetsu is...gonna get rex squirming out of his hold and shoving him an arm's length apart. ]

I sent you letters. I kept giving you reminders. I kept giving you a chance!

And now it turns out the only time you ever wanna do anything for me is when you actually have to look at my face. But I guess it's a lot easier to convince yourself you care about someone when you don't have to deal with them yourself, isn't it? Out of sight, out of mind. I get it.

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[ he... expected that. and frowns deeply. ]

...Letters? Rex, I only got one letter from you. And I... I didn't realize we could send them back. Not for a long time. But that was stupid of me.

You were never out of my mind. But you're right. I never expressed it. And you've every right to be mad at me.

I want you to know, I kept that letter on me at all times. Always.

[ he taps the spot where he keeps the little waterproof bag he has pocketed right above his heart. ]

If I could do one thing over again, it would be that. But so much for regret, it doesn't do anything for you and it's really only self-serving.