[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]

[]

My time was not wasted.

[takesliberties]

W-well--

[mustgo]

[]

No 'well's or 'but's!

[takesliberties]

But Sai-!!

[mustgo]

[]

But what!

[takesliberties]

But I don't get it!

[mustgo]

[]

What part of it!?

[takesliberties]

What happened!

[mustgo]

[]

My time was— there was nothing left for me to show you!

[takesliberties]

If I'd let you play I'd have grown so much slower, so--!

[mustgo]

[]

It was one of my games that was the last, Hikaru!

[takesliberties]

[oh that's...true...]

[mustgo]

[]

I... have done my part to encourage your potential.

[takesliberties]

I -- I just -- feel like I should have done my part... to help you reach your dream. The thing you've waited all this time for.

[mustgo]

[]

[can't... say much to that...]

[takesliberties]

...But it's too late.

Sai, you mean the world to me.

[mustgo]

[]

[o-oh]

I... I am glad I was with you.

[takesliberties]

E-everything really incredible in my life is because of you...

[mustgo]

[]

[covers his mouth with a sleeve, not quite trusting himself to speak]

[takesliberties]

S-so I'm glad. I got to see you again. And tell you that.

[scrubbing his face furiously]

[mustgo]

[]

[makes a small nod, tears areeee happening]

[takesliberties]

I never thought I was going to get this chance-!

Sai, I -- I --

[mustgo]

[]

Hikaru...?

[takesliberties]

[deep breath, manages a trembling smile]

I'm going to play so many games, Sai. I'm going to take everything you taught me forward and -- at the end -- when I go to you -- We'll play again?

[mustgo]

[]

... Yes. It will be a good game.