[IC]

[takesliberties]

[It's a quiet afternoon/evening, and Touya's out; Hikaru's in their room, sitting in front of a Goban and studying a game]

Comments

[mustgo]

[... kneels on the other side of the goban]

[takesliberties]

Sai!

[smiles at him and starts to clear the board] Do you want to play?

[mustgo]

[]

Yes.

[takesliberties]

Sure. Do you want to pick a color or -- is something wrong...?

[mustgo]

[]

Hikaru...

I fear that this will be our last game.

[takesliberties]

[fingers clench in the stones] What -- no -- why??

[mustgo]

There is no longer a call for me here.

[takesliberties]

I don't understand -- no call? But I need you-!

[mustgo]

[]

No, Hikaru. You will go on as a player, and you will set others along, but my part is done. I cannot lead you.

[takesliberties]

I don't mean as a player-!

[mustgo]

[]

[...pauses...]

[takesliberties]

I don't understand... Sai...

[mustgo]

I... don't want to leave you either.

[takesliberties]

[reaches for him, then lets his hand drop]

I'm. I'm so glad I got this chance to see you again. It's -- it's more than I ever expected.

[mustgo]

[]

[...smiles, wavering]

Prepare the board, Hikaru.

[takesliberties]

[swallows hard, trembling, then buries his fingers in the goke, bringing it forward over the board, still clenched] Odd or even?

[mustgo]

[]

Even.

[takesliberties]

[checks]

You're black, then.

[takes both bowls over and draws a deep breath in, trying to calm down]

[mustgo]

[]

[is quiet, trying to keep himself calm]

[takesliberties]

It-- it's your move.

[mustgo]

[]

I— yes.

[points]

[takesliberties]

[puts a stone down and studies the board]

...

I'm sorry.

[mustgo]

[]

What are— I am the one leaving!

[takesliberties]

W-well, I know, but I'm sorry about a lot of things!

[mustgo]

[]

Hikaru...