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[leftbehindagain]

[A couple days into Liminal Space, but before it changes, Naoki puts out a message. He sounds... tired, but satisfied.]

I've worked out something that will counteract the radiation exposure most of us just got. There's some in the workshop and some in Kanji's place - there should be enough for everyone who was on Gehenna.

Please, guys, take a bottle. I don't care how invincible you think you are, I don't care how much you might think I hate you, I don't care how bad you think it tastes - I did the best I could, but it's still pretty clearly medicine. Radiation is serious business, and none of us deserve to be stuck with the long-term effects if there's a way around it. If it turns out you absolutely cannot get it down for some reason, let me know and I'll try another version.

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[leftbehindagain]

[Naoki... has a headache, after all that, but that's probably not much of a surprise. He could use a drink, and he's sorely tempted to bust some of the holiday party leftovers out. When Leo approaches, though, he's glad he hasn't yet.

He waves a hand at the array of bottles.] Help yourself, sensei.

[howexciting]

[Leonardo quickly withdraws his hand at the mistake, quietly taking the nearest bottle. He uncorks it and without saying a word, downs the entire bottle, right there in front of him. He does not complain about the taste, nor the smell, merely setting the empty bottle on the counter. Before he goes, his eyes finally meet Naoki's... but only for two seconds, before he bows deeply to the other.]

I apologize for upsetting you, messere. It was not my intention, nor should I wish to upset you ever again. I hope you might forgive my transgression.

[And then he turns to leave.]

[leftbehindagain]

[Forgiveness is a fraught term in this context. To Naoki, it does not and never has meant absolution, and it certainly doesn't mean pretending what's happened didn't, in fact, happen. It means seeing what happens going forward. This might be one step of probably hundreds, and he's pretty sure Leo's doing it for the wrong reason... but it's still a step.]

I'm sorry I snapped at you.

[Leo deserves that apology, at least. No matter how frustrating it is to watch someone floundering where he used to be, or how impressive it is that Leo got him to snap at all, Naoki shouldn't have.]

[howexciting]

[He pauses, only turning his head slightly to be heard over his shoulder.]

You do not need to apologize. It is because of me we are in this mess. I am the one who deserves blame for everything, including angering you. I only hope I never do so again.

[And then he's gone.]