A Little Faith & A Lot of Questions

[shslpriest-kuehara]

...Ahem.

Hello.

I was told that this is where I am supposed to introduce myself.

My name is Kinji Uehara.

Or Kinari Uehara, depending on the day.

I am the Former Super High School Level Priest, though I imagine that is probably not the most interesting thing you could ask me about. I have also spent a considerable portion of my life caring for children, preparing far too much food for far too many people, and attempting to keep the people I love from doing anything catastrophically foolish.

I have not always succeeded at the last one.

I have been informed that I am now expected to answer questions from strangers on the internet.

...I confess that I am still trying to determine how that particular responsibility found its way onto my schedule.

Still, I am willing to give it a chance.

You may ask me about my work, my faith, my life, the people I've met, the things I enjoy, or even things that have nothing whatsoever to do with being a priest. If you are curious about something, you may ask.

I cannot promise that I will answer everything. Some matters are private, and some questions may simply catch me off guard.

But I will do my best.

And please, do not worry too much about asking the "wrong" question. There is nothing wrong with being curious.

...Though if any of you intend to ask me whether priests are allowed to play video games, I should warn you in advance that the answer is yes.

Probably.

I hope we will get along.

Take care of yourselves, all right?

And remember...

You are always welcome to stay for tea.

...Although if there are pastries involved, I may have to ask you to help me carry them.

— Kinji/Kinari Uehara

ASKS OPEN!//

[Muse notes + Admin rambles undercut]

Hiii~! You may call me Mari (@la-mar10nn3tta) and I go by she/her! I love Kinji a LOT, and a bunch of my friends have askblogs, so I figured... why not make one myself? 😆

This is an askblog for Kinji/Kinari Uehara from Danganronpa Another / Super Danganronpa Another 2! I'll be portraying them primarily through my own headcanons, especially my interpretation of Kinji/Kinari as genderfluid.

When they're feeling masculine, they go by Kinji and use he/they pronouns. When they're feeling feminine, they go by Kinari and use she/they pronouns. Their gender may shift depending on the day, time, or just how they're feeling!

I'm not genderfluid myself, so if I ever handle something inaccurately, constructive correction is welcome! Please just be kind about it. I'm here to have fun with the character and learn along the way. 💙

[Boundaries / Rules]

I'll answer any asks I'm comfortable with. If I don't answer something, please don't take it personally!

Personal accounts are absolutely welcome to follow and interact! ^.^

Shipping is allowed! I personally ship Tsuhara, Maehara, Utsuhara, and Kisahara, as well as platonic Ueguchi, Uenori, and Uekawa, but you're welcome to send asks involving other ships too. I'll do my best to keep Kinji/Kinari's responses in-character rather than forcing my own ships onto every interaction.

Suggestive/adult topics may be referenced, but they aren't the focus of this blog and will be tagged appropriately. Please don't send sexually explicit asks, especially if you're a minor.

Drug/alcohol mentions are okay and will be tagged appropriately.

Magic Anons are allowed! Within reason, of course.

Feel free to ask for muse headcanons. Trust me, I have PLENTY. 🤣

You can also ask Admin/Mari questions!

Feel free to @ this account if you're another DRA/SDRA2 RP account! I'd love to interact.

I primarily RP within the Danganronpa Another / Super Danganronpa Another 2 setting. No crossover RP, aside from interactions involving the SDRA2 cast as appropriate.

I may also RP under alternate premises/AUs, such as the Killing Game or DRA IF where everyone's working for the Kisaragi Foundation, so don't be surprised if things occasionally get a little AU-flavored!

I may answer some asks with a doodle, sprite edit, or other little visual, but not always.

I'm going to be pretty busy with college, so please be patient if replies take a while! I promise I'm not ignoring you. ;_;

DNI / Instant Block

Racists, transphobes, homophobes, misogynists/misandrists, or anyone who genuinely enjoys being an asshole to marginalized people: DNI.

I block freely and without debate. 🙂

And finally...

Have fun! Send Kinji/Kinari your weird questions, heartfelt questions, lore questions, shipping questions, headcanon questions, or whatever else your brain cooks up.

Just remember that poor Kinji/Kinari has to actually answer them. 🤣

[shslpriest-kuehara]

hello again! i'm not really having a good time right now :(

actually it's a long time i've felt like this and i pretended i don't feel bad because i know things aren't that bad for me, it's okay though. anyway. i want to be done with being gloomy so here's my question to you:

would you choose either big dogs, or smaller dogs (i don't mean puppies but the grown dogs that are small)?

i like bigger dogs because they'd be easier to hug and i heard some are gentler with people.

Kinari's expression softens as they read the beginning of the message.

Hello again.

Before I answer your question... may I say something?

You don't have to convince yourself that your feelings aren't important simply because you believe other people have it worse.

Something can be "not that bad" and still hurt.

They pause, their expression gentle.

And if you've been pretending that you aren't feeling bad for a long time, I hope you won't feel that you have to keep pretending forever. You don't have to explain everything to me, of course, but please consider telling someone you trust how you've been feeling. Sometimes carrying something quietly for too long makes it feel much heavier than it needs to be.

And you don't need to apologize for being gloomy, either.

Kinari smiles softly.

Now...

Dogs.

I think I would choose the larger ones.

Not because smaller dogs aren't lovely, but I understand the appeal of being able to give a large dog an enormous hug. There is something rather comforting about having a very large, very fluffy creature happily leaning against you.

They tilt their head thoughtfully.

Although I would be careful about assuming that size determines temperament. A gentle giant can be wonderfully affectionate, while a tiny dog can have enough personality for three.

For me personally...

Kinari's smile turns slightly sheepish.

I am afraid I am more of a cat person.

Cats have a remarkable talent for appearing completely uninterested in you until they suddenly decide that you are their favorite person in the world.

I have always found that rather charming.

They pause.

Though if someone brought a large, gentle dog to the orphanage, I suspect the children would fall in love with it within approximately twelve seconds.

...And I would probably be the one making sure it had enough treats.

[despair-akan3]

Oh! Not a particularly huge thing to mention, but it is my birthday today!

So.. happy birthday, me! Utsuro got me a cupcake already, so I'm feeling pretty great!

[DRA/SDRA2 UNIVERSITY + Regular Universe ]

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Kinji's expression brightens considerably.

Oh! Then buon compleanno, Akane!

They smile warmly.

A birthday on Ferragosto, too? You certainly picked a memorable day to be born.

August 15 is one of the biggest holidays back home in Italy. Families gather, everyone eats far too much, and there is usually some sort of celebration happening somewhere.

Kinji gives a small laugh.

So I suppose you have a rather excellent excuse to celebrate twice.

And Utsuro already got you a cupcake? How thoughtful of him.

Their smile softens.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday, Akane. Eat something delicious, spend time with the people who make you happy, and let yourself be celebrated today.

After all, birthdays only come around once a year.

Kinji pauses, then adds with a faintly mischievous smile.

Although if you happen to need someone to provide an appropriately Italian birthday dessert...

I know a priest who makes a rather excellent tiramisù.

[average-yukimaeda]

[ Hope’s Peak Univesity, first year Yuki Maeda ]

ahaha… i can’t believe i’m typing this but despite all odds i got accepted for hopes peak?????

i’ve been so completely engrossed in moving the last few days that i never actually told anyone but my mother and father that i got in…

honestly, i submitted my application for the raffle but it’s like buying a lottery ticket. you never expect to win!!!!

and now i’ll be surrounded by all these up and coming stars and budding celebrities whilst being a complete nobody… only a few people get in each year by raffle and even then, the people chosen through raffle are usually a LOT more special than me!!!!! my gpa graduating highschool was maybe a 3.6??? i guess at least this proves that the raffle to get in is legitimate because what the hell am i doing here?!!!?!!

okay… i started feeling sick so i took a break from typing this and went to help mama run some errands.

honestly, i don’t know what to say… i half expect to be turned away at the gates everytime i’ve showed up to campus so far and probably will continue to expect that because i really don’t deserve to go to such a prestigious university…

seriously, my upperclassmen will be crazy big names like Teruya Otori and Yamato Kisaragi and Tsurugi Kinjo… and don’t get me started on the legends that are going to be considered my peers!!!

if i end up seated next to Emma Magorobi or either of Melody Rhythm, i may end up paralyzed because how am i supposed to act around these living legends!?!!??? it’s going to be so so embarrassing for me, i need someone to pray for me because i will not make it.

…

i think i got it out of my system. for now.

and uh, i guess i’ll keep you all updated. when i have the time. i’ll be studying my ass off from now on, though…

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Kinari pauses halfway through reading the post, their expression gradually softening.

Maeda...?

Aiko Maeda?

A moment of thought.

If you are her son, then I believe I have heard of you before.

Hello, Yuki Maeda. My name is Kinari Uehara. I work at the parish near where you live, though I suspect you may know me more readily as the person your mother has spoken with a few times.

A small, amused smile crosses their face.

Your mother has attended services at my parish several times. She is a very kind woman. I have had the pleasure of speaking with her on a few occasions and she has mentioned you before.

So I suppose this is our first proper introduction.

And congratulations on your acceptance to Hope's Peak University.

Kinari's expression becomes gently thoughtful.

I noticed something rather concerning in your message, though.

You keep calling yourself a "nobody."

I would ask you to reconsider that.

You earned a 3.6 GPA, submitted an application, and were selected through a legitimate admissions process. You did not sneak through the gates. Nobody made a clerical error and accidentally enroll you.

You were accepted.

They pause.

You belong there.

Hope's Peak is certainly home to extraordinary people, but that does not mean everyone who attends must already be famous, exceptionally talented, or destined to become some great celebrity.

You are allowed to simply be Yuki.

You do not need to walk into that university already knowing exactly who you are going to become.

And please don't spend your first semester comparing yourself to everyone around you.

Kinari gives a small, encouraging smile. As for your upperclassmen...

Kinari's expression turns faintly amused.

I have met Ms. Kurokawa, Mr. Kisaragi, and Mr. Kinjo. I promise you, they are still human beings. Even if I suspect Mr. Kinjo would object rather strongly to being described as a "living legend."

And if you happen to sit next to someone you admire, you needn't treat them as though they are royalty.

Say hello. Ask them about their day. Treat them like a person.

Kinari gives a small, reassuring smile.

You may discover that the people you are so nervous about meeting are just as nervous about being understood as anyone else.

For now, take a breath.

Study hard if that is what you want to do. Make friends. Ask questions. Get lost on campus at least once. Try something you have never tried before.

And if you find yourself standing outside those gates wondering whether you truly belong there...

Remember that someone already decided the answer.

Hope's Peak did.

Kinari's expression warms.

Welcome to the university, Yuki.

I look forward to seeing what you make of your time there.

And if you ever need somewhere quiet to collect your thoughts, the parish doors are always open.

Your mother already knows where to find us, after all.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

You seem alot more expressive now compared to how you were when you first attended hope's peak. I mean this in a good way

Kinari blinks, then gives a small, thoughtful smile.

Have I?

They glance down for a moment, lightly touching the silver cross around their neck.

I suppose you are right.

When I was younger, I was... considerably more reserved. I thought being composed meant keeping my feelings neatly tucked away where nobody else could see them.

They give a quiet, slightly embarrassed laugh.

I was very good at looking calm.

I was not always very good at actually being calm.

Their expression softens.

I think some of that came from my childhood. Some of it came from being a priest. And some of it was simply being young and believing that I had to have everything figured out.

I don't think I believe that anymore.

These days, I am a little more comfortable laughing when something is funny, crying when something hurts, being annoyed when someone is being ridiculous...

Kinari's smile becomes faintly amused.

...and telling a certain police officer when he is being particularly stubborn.

Most importantly, though, I think I have learned that showing people how I feel isn't the same thing as being weak.

Sometimes, letting someone see that you care is one of the bravest things you can do.

They smile warmly.

So... thank you for noticing.

I think I rather like being this version of myself.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Towards admin - I feel like you're using the blog to comfort your favorite characters... so evil why are you doing this/j I would too you have no idea how many times I want to scream at my screen

Ah, I'm glad we both share similar perspectives! 😭💜

Honestly, I think I've just realized that I can't bring myself to make my favorites suffer without also wanting to give them some comfort afterward. If I were a character, I'd probably resent my author if they wrote me into misery and then just left me there. 😂

And DRA/SDRA2 is already SO full of angst with comparatively little comfort! Sometimes I look at these characters and think, "You have been through ENOUGH. Come here. Sit down. I'm getting you some tea."

While some characters, like Mikado, can certainly face consequences for their actions, characters like Yuki or Kinji are good people who have already suffered tremendously. I want the best for them in my own stories precisely because canon doesn't always give them that.

For me, angst is usually a means to an end. I'll give my favorites painful backstories or put them through difficult situations because I want to explore how they heal afterward and give them the comfort I think they deserve.

I genuinely love my characters. So when I'm having a rough time myself, sometimes I want to imagine them being happier than I am at that moment. I think seeing someone else feel better makes me feel better, too. 💜

I've also learned to respect people who create in the complete opposite way. Some people find comfort in giving their favorites suffering, and that's just another way of exploring characters and emotions. Different creators need different things from their stories.

But whether you're writing comfort, angst, tragedy, fluff, or all of the above...

Never underestimate how much a little empathy or one kind act can mean to someone. Sometimes that's the part that stays with me the longest.

Yours, Mari 💜

[hibiki-otonokoji-rp]

Hihi I'm back☆

I've been resting for a while after the school trip as even days of rest I still am slightly shaky...

Which feels strange because... I don't remember what happened?

I only remember going to the aquarium but then it's like everything else is gone from my mind alongside the next few days until now and I only know what happened after Kanade everyone else told me-

And I... I don't know if I could trust with Roro and the other "voids" ever again... I don't know...

But I clearly won't ever,ever,ever,EVER! Forgive Mikado. That's for sure...

...

*sob*...

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Kinari's expression immediately softens at Hibiki's words.

Hibiki...

They set aside whatever they were doing and give her their full attention.

I am very sorry. Waking up and discovering that several days of your life are simply... missing must be frightening. Especially when everyone else seems to remember things that you cannot.

Their voice remains quiet and reassuring.

You don't have to force yourself to remember before you are ready. And you don't have to pretend that you are all right simply because you are safe now.

As for Iroha and the others...

Kinari pauses carefully.

You are allowed to be uncertain about them.

Trust is something that is earned. You don't owe anyone your trust simply because they were once your friends, and you don't have to decide today whether you can trust them again.

And forgiveness?

They shake their head gently.

You don't have to forgive Mikado right now, either.

Forgiveness is not something another person can demand from you. If someday you decide that you are ready to forgive him, that choice belongs to you. If you're not ready, that is okay too.

Kinari's expression softens further.

For now, I think it is enough to rest. Stay close to the people you feel safe with. Let Kanade and the others look after you when you need them.

And if you're still feeling shaky or confused, please tell someone you trust and let them help you. You don't have to carry all of this by yourself.

They offer her a small, warm smile.

You have been through something frightening, Hibiki.

You are allowed to be frightened.

You are allowed to cry.

And you are allowed to take your time.

Kinari gently holds out a hand.

Come here, dear.

You don't have to explain anything else right now.

Just breathe.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Kinari sits quietly for a moment, glancing at the date on her phone.

...Ferragosto is almost here.

They smile faintly.

I suppose I have been thinking about Italy more than usual lately.

There are many things I miss about home. The language, the food, the familiar streets... even the heat, occasionally.

But I think Ferragosto is what I miss most.

It was never particularly complicated. A long summer day, a large meal, family gathered around the table, everyone talking at once... perhaps a trip to the seaside, and fireworks in the evening.

Nothing extraordinary.

Kinari's fingers gently brush against their necklace.

I think that is precisely why I miss it.

When you are young, you don't always realize how precious ordinary traditions are. You simply assume there will always be another summer, another dinner, another holiday with the people you love.

Then one day, you find yourself on the other side of the world.

They pause.

My parents are still in Italy, so I suppose part of me will always feel as though Ferragosto is happening somewhere without me.

...I miss them.

A small smile returns.

Still, perhaps I can make a little Ferragosto here.

I know several children who would be more than happy to help me prepare an unnecessarily large dinner.

And if anyone asks, I absolutely did not use the holiday as an excuse to make far too much dessert.

Kinari pauses.

...I probably did.

Advanced Happy Ferragosto, everyone. 🇮🇹💙

[tkinjo1113]

Kinjo do you like taking a big puff from your cigarette

Heh. Of course I do? What's better than having my bi-hourly cigarette break?

Of course, those breaks are the paid breaks. I take more of them per hour but to be fair to my employees the other 2 breaks in the hour aren't paid.

Then again, I never leave my desk for these breaks. Rei complains about the smell but she has her own office so why should I care?

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Kinari stares at Tsurugi for a moment.

...Your bi-hourly cigarette break?

They slowly fold their arms.

You do realize that telling your friends take more than one cigarette break every hour is not going to make me feel better about your smoking, yes?

They sigh softly, though there's a faintly exasperated smile on their face.

I am not going to lecture you. You are a grown man, and I know very well that telling you something is bad for you is unlikely to make you suddenly reconsider it.

But I would appreciate it if you took your health a little more seriously.

And as for smoking at your desk...

Kinari's expression becomes pointed.

I am fairly certain your employees would prefer their workplace to smell like an office rather than an ashtray.

They pause.

Also, Rei complains about the smell for a reason.

Their expression softens.

Please, sole mio. At least step outside when you do. Take the break properly. Get some fresh air. Give yourself a proper break from your paperwork.

You spend so much of your life looking after everyone else's problems.

You should occasionally look after yourself, too.

Kinari gives him a small, fond smile.

And if you insist on having your cigarette breaks, I suppose I can tolerate them.

Just don't make me start counting them.

[average-yukimaeda]

i worry i was a bit too indulgent today… i have such a sweet tooth, it becomes a problem when i’m feeling bad…

if anyone wants them, i have a big bag of gummy candy left that maybe should be confiscated. it’s for my own good.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Kinari listens with a small, concerned frown.

Yuki...

You needn't punish yourself for having a sweet tooth.

Their expression softens.

If you enjoyed the candy, then you enjoyed it. There is no need to turn that into something you should feel guilty about afterward.

If you're feeling particularly low today, I'd much rather you be kind to yourself than decide that you need to deprive yourself of something you enjoy.

Kinari pauses thoughtfully.

Though, if you really would like to give some of the gummies away, I have an idea.

The children at the orphanage have quite a fondness for sweets.

Their expression brightens slightly.

If you'd like, I could take some of the bag with me next time I visit. Or all of them, if you'd prefer.

But only if that's what you want, Yuki. You don't need to give them away because you think you have to punish yourself.

Kinari gives him a gentle smile.

Consider it sharing rather than confiscation.

And I suspect the children would be very grateful for your generosity.

They pause, then add with a faintly amused smile.

Though I should warn you... once they discover someone has brought them gummy candy, you may find yourself receiving several very enthusiastic thank-you letters.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Hi Uehara! It's cool to see you here

I never took you as the type to use social media though, what brought you here? Not that I'm complaining!

Kinari smiles at the familiar face.

Hello, Yamato. It is good to hear from you.

And... you are not entirely wrong.

To be honest, Kisaragi-san... I am still trying to figure out how any of this works.

Before this, the most advanced thing I did with a phone was call my parents in Italy. I never really had much reason to use social media.

They glance down at their phone.

Inori-san and Yamaguchi-san were the ones who helped me set this account up. They assured me it would be a good way to keep in touch with people, and... well, I suppose they were right.

Although I will admit that I have spent a rather embarrassing amount of time learning what various buttons and icons do.

Kinari laughs softly.

I have been making an effort to learn, though. If I am going to live in the modern world, I suppose I should at least make an attempt to understand its strange little corners.

And besides...

It is rather nice hearing from people I haven't seen in a while.

So I suppose that is what brought me here.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

i got no questions right now. but hello uehara!!

Kinji smiles warmly.

Hello there!

No question necessary. I am simply glad you stopped by to say hello.

They give a small, polite wave.

It's a pleasure to meet you. Please take care of yourself, and if you ever think of something you'd like to ask, you know where to find me.

...Although I suppose I should warn you that I may have tea waiting by then.

[yamatokisaragi-urfavidol]

Hey guys!˗ˏˋ✩ˎˊ˗

The new semester is going to start soon and I am just so pumped! I'm especially excited for the incoming 1st years! I've heard we have a lot of interesting talents from the Ultimate Astronaut alllll the way to the Ultimate Billiards Player! What a diverse class we having coming in, right??

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　

I've also noticed that my classmates and incoming classmates have tumblr accounts! I'd love for you all to meet!

Please feel free to talk to each other under this post!! I super duper doodily TRULYYY look forward to getting to know you all!

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧(´｡• ᵕ •｡`)〰✮

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Hello. It is a pleasure to meet you all.

My name is Kinji Uehara, and I am the Ultimate Priest.

I have heard that we will be welcoming several new students this semester. The variety of talents among them is certainly impressive. An Ultimate Journalist and an Ultimate Vocalist, among others... I admit I am rather curious to meet them.

I still do not have much experience meeting people my own age, so I apologize if I seem a little reserved at first. I am not very accustomed to this sort of social setting.

Nevertheless, I hope that I will have the opportunity to get to know everyone better. I would be grateful if we could all get along and make the most of the coming school year.

I look forward to meeting you.

...And, um, welcome to Hope's Peak.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

This may be a difficult question to answer because if your childhood. But if you weren't a priest, what would you want to do in life?

Kinari grows quiet for a moment, fidgeting with their necklace as they genuinely consider the question.

That is a difficult one.

I have spent so much of my life training myself as a priest that I have rarely stopped to wonder what I might have become otherwise.

They smile softly.

I think I would still want to work with people.

Perhaps I would become a teacher. Or a social worker. Maybe I would work at a children's home full-time. I have always had a rather unfortunate tendency to collect children who need someone to listen to them.

Kinari gives a small, amused laugh.

Although, knowing me, I would probably end up cooking for everyone regardless of what my actual job was.

Their expression becomes thoughtful again.

When I was younger, I thought that having a calling meant there was one particular path I was destined to follow.

I don't think I believe that anymore.

A person's life can take many different paths. What matters is what you choose to do with the path you take.

If I had never become a priest, I think I would still want to be someone who could offer another person a safe place to rest. Someone who could teach, listen, feed people when they were hungry, or simply remind them that they were not alone.

They smile warmly.

Perhaps the title would have been different.

But I suspect I would have ended up in much the same place.

Surrounded by people who needed someone to care about them.

Kinari pauses.

...Especially children. Probably far too many children.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Hi ueue, so cutie pie!!! So gap moe!! The number one gap moe in all of HPA (followed by Mekaru, obviously)

Anyway, are you still in contact with maeda? Are you both still friend? What do you think of him??

(For Admin- I'm assuming this is an aged up AU where everyone graduates HPA as normal, right? Also this is a shipslop question, yes, for my maehara heart)

"Gap moe...?"

Kinari blinks, clearly considering the term.

I confess, I am not entirely certain what that means.

They give a small, amused smile.

But I shall accept the compliment. Thank you.

Their expression softens at the mention of Yuki.

As for Mr. Maeda... yes. We are still friends.

I do not see him as often as I used to, given how busy our respective lives have become, but we still keep in contact. He has a habit of disappearing into his own thoughts for far too long, so I occasionally make a point of checking in on him.

Kinari's smile becomes a little more affectionate.

Yuki is a good person.

He is also considerably stronger than he gives himself credit for.

I think people sometimes look at his luck first. They see the Ultimate Lucky Student, or the things that seem to happen around him, and forget that there is an actual person underneath all of that.

I would rather know how Yuki is doing than how fortunate he happens to be.

They pause, their expression thoughtful.

He has had more than his fair share of reasons to become bitter. The fact that he can still care about other people despite everything tells me quite a lot about him.

So, what do I think of him?

Kinari smiles.

I am very glad that I can call him my friend.

And...

Their expression turns faintly amused.

I have noticed that there are certain people who seem to become rather protective whenever Yuki is involved.

Perhaps I am not the only one who thinks he is worth looking after.

Kinari folds their hands neatly before them.

Now, whether those people would appreciate me pointing that out is another matter entirely.

//OOC: I love Maehara, so thanks a lot for this ask! And kinda. There are two potential AUs: one being an IF AU and one that's essentially a DRA Rewrite (I'll elaborate on this when I have time). For the sake of this ask, I'm going with the former.

[tkinjo1113]

Kinjo what type of medication do you take?

Why are you asking? What are you trying to say? Rei keeps trying to convince me that the anti-psychotics would do me good. Little does she know, I can't have both them and alcohol. Obviously, alcohol is much more important.

Not that I need them anyway. I'm usually the most sane person in the room. No one else is as committed to doing the right thing.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

Tsurugi...

The amusement in Kinari's expression fades, replaced by a quiet, concerned look.

I know you are trying to deny this. You often do when something is weighing on you.

They pause, studying him carefully.

But I am worried about you.

Not because I think you are incapable of knowing what is best for yourself. And certainly not because I think you are somehow less strong than you were before.

Their voice softens.

I simply don't want you to dismiss something important because admitting that you need help feels like surrender.

A small, affectionate smile.

And, sole mio... you do not have to be the most sane person in the room.

You do not have to be the most righteous, either. You do not have to carry every burden simply because you believe you are the one most capable of carrying it.

They reach over and gently squeeze his hand.

If Rei is genuinely concerned about you, then I would rather you listen to her than brush her aside. And if there is something you are worried about regarding medication, alcohol, or anything else, please speak honestly with a doctor who knows your circumstances.

I am not asking you to take anything you have not been prescribed, nor am I asking you to stop being yourself.

Their thumb gently brushes across his knuckles.

I am asking you to take care of the people who care about you.

And that includes yourself, you know.

A faint smile returns.

Besides... I have no intention of losing you because you decided that your favorite drink was somehow more important than taking care of yourself.

They give him a fond, slightly exasperated look.

You know how much you mean to me.

So please... don't make me worry more than you already do.

[shslpriest-kuehara]

What are your thoughts on 🎰gambling🤑

Gambling?

Kinji pauses for a moment, considering the question.

...I suppose if it's later confessed, there is no problem.

They give a small shrug.

Though, to be perfectly honest, I wouldn't recommend making a habit of it.

There is a rather important difference between understanding that forgiveness exists and deliberately doing something wrong because you assume you can simply apologize afterward.

Kinji's expression becomes faintly amused.

That being said...

They glance toward the casino.

I suppose there are worse ways to spend an evening.

Just don't ask me to explain the rules of poker. I was only there because the casino was making an awful racket.