(For Nico, from you know who~🧡🐴) He still didn't like those stupid minnows. At the same time, though, the relaxation room was the last place anyone would look for him at the moment. The rest of them were all busy on the first floor with Levi—Ace felt his insides twist at the thought—and while he knew they'd probably come looking for him at some point once Teruko spilled the beans to them, he wasn't in any hurry to be found if he could help it. More twisting of his insides brought a hand to his chest with a sharp inhale. He had no idea how it happened; probably some of Teruko's bullshit luck. All he knew is that one second he was on death's door from a heart attack, and then the next he had bolted back to life and everyone besides Teruko had managed to finally leave the trial grounds and get Levi to safety. He and Teruko hadn't spoken in the elevator; probably more of her discomfort about riding with another person. Especially one who had, by all definitions of the word, died. Probably why she didn't complain when he'd bolted out on the second floor and barreled straight for the only room that didn't dredge up any bad memories. Gym was no good, playground was worse— His hand fell as he exhaled a shudder. After everything that'd happened, after everything he'd done, he was still here. Still alive. He should've been relieved. And yet he couldn't stop his entire body from shaking as he stared hard, furiously at those stupid, stupid minnows—flashes of his failed execution pounding at the inside of his skull. It was over. He'd survived. So why was he more terrified than ever, reliving every horrible fakout, over and over again, until— The sound of footsteps approaching the room jolted him to his feet, fists instinctively balling and breath hitched as he waited for whoever it was to finally enter the room. "What the fuck do you want?!" The growl in his town was more aggressive than ever, like that of a cornered dog or other beast. Just go away, just go away, just— And then a familiar sight of dark blue and a mop of hair so eerily similar to that of a cat's ears had him retreating further until his back hit the wall. God fucking damn it. Why did it have to be them? Why now? - ✧ ˖ ˙ 「 @hayleysmuses 」 ˙ ˖ ✧
「 ☆ 」 Soon as they started to leave the room where the others were huddled— worriedly waiting as Arturo performed what was to either be a miracle or a futile grab to prevent tragedy —Nico had begun to feel better. Able to breathe air that wasn’t tainted by worried murmurings or thick with suffocating tension. To shed the uncomfortable tingling in the back of their neck, as if a million eyes were upon them despite there being none of the sort. Stomach churning from the discomfort of sitting in such close quarters to people. Let alone people who would have been DEAD if they weren’t a failure… They’re glad to have failed. Mostly.
But still, it’s a shift in perspective not easily shaken. Maybe never.
Selfish as it is, concern for Levi couldn’t outweigh the desire to leave. Provably because there wasn’t much to begin with. Frankly, Nico can’t fully understand the others’ plight. Which doesn’t help with their growing suspicion that they’re a terrible person. Even Ace, who makes a point of establishing hatred for everyone, had been frantic when Levi’s life was in peril. Perhaps guilt played a big factor in that, but it feels unfair to use that as an excuse to dismiss the jockey’s sacrifice. Ironically, the one who would understand Nico’s detachment from the situation would be Levi. He wouldn’t judge them for fleeing the situation in favor of solitude. Hell, he had admitted to being fine if ANY of them died.
Nico can understand that as well, from a logical position. Even if they can’t exactly relate. Plenty of animals work under similar circumstances. Loyal to those who are around but quick to move on when death claims a loved one. It’s the natural order of things, with Levi simply prone to a more extreme version of such tendencies.
Making their way to the relaxation room, Nico grimaces at the sight they know awaits. Arei wasn't the only victim, insignificant as the other lives may be considered in comparison. To their peers. But Nico figures they have no place to judge. After being prepared to throw away the lives of their classmates, it'd be hypocritical to condemn someone over the casualties of fish. Maybe there's a balance to it... The others can shoulder the concern for human life, while Nico is burdened with worrying about the animals sharing their imprisonment. Everyone is cared for.
Whether people think it matters or not.
