“ When I reach the top, I want you there beside me. ” //ace to kurasame
That was a sentence coated in a film of rivalry, however, the Tribune could discern (and perhaps digest too, were he open to it) fraternal undertones, or more intimate ones.
Kurasame averted his gaze from the night sky to the young Zero cadet, oddly at peace with that statement. Their interactions were frequently a struggle between personal egos and, later, affections for a particular brunette of cheeky smiles and lipstick stains, but above all of it, Susaya was his Commanding Officer and the person responsible for both their education and performance in the battlefield.
More so, they were both excruciatingly distrustful of Arecia's plans regarding Sora.
But, at the very least, there remained a shared sense of duty. Comradery. Respect, maybe? That, Kurasame didn't count on.
How did the top look like? Putting an end to the war? Surviving? Liberating fate from the claws of greater players, such as the Crystals? Becoming Agito, the promised messiah?
Kurasame smiled. Seldom those could be spotted on his face, for the mask served the intended purpose, however, for the moment, his eyes grew more vivid (and more expressive) than what his lips could muster. Golden boy of his...
"You'll reach the top, cadet. I'm counting on that." Whether by design or at the expense of my life. But if he wants to reach the top at all costs... Well, costs shall be paid.
Ace ( @vancreux ) / Long lost.