[There's so much he should say to that - that he's happy he can be that person Dist needs now, that he's never given Dist anything more than he deserves, that he really is happy that he's able to confide in Dist like this. But there is something much more pressing to address first.]
I did make a mistake, and I do regret it, but not for the reasons you're likely assuming. I was... so furious with Rideaux for what he said. [About his mask. About what's under his mask.] I refused to consider that there could be another possibility. I wanted him dead, so I pushed to have him killed.
[Whether he was truly guilty or not didn't matter. He laid his arguments out, he was certain that everyone else would fall for them and the majority vote would go to Rideaux regardless. He'd stopped paying attention to anything else.]
I'm only sorry because I didn't get away with it, and only because Rideaux is far stronger than I am. [Without his magic, at least.] I want you to know the truth.
[Even though that truth is ugly and bitter and certainly detrimental. After a moment he exhales slowly and his gaze darts.]
I'm not sorry and I have no intention of attempting to apologize to Rideaux for my behavior. [He's pretty sure Rideaux wouldn't buy it anyway.] But I don't intend to die here, and I don't intend to allow myself to be so blinded by rage in the future. I... truly am sorry to have put you in a position like this.
[Dist shouldn't have to try to fight his battles for him, even when that battle is simply asking Rideaux not to do anything stupid.]
But I do agree - we need each other to make it through this. I don't intend to die here. I'll continue to do what I can to make it through. I'll be right by your side when we finish this.
[If Iago is concerned about how Dist might take the truth, he shouldn't be. Dist is quiet for a moment as Iago explains, but he's quick to close his eyes and shake his head.]
Honestly...I figured as much. It is why I did not refute your arguments against him. While I was convinced of the presence of Sanguis, the hints that we received did not seem to add up and I couldn't quite place it until Ulquiorra later explained.
[He felt so fucking stupid. How had he not considered Gelu being at play?!]
I have said to you before that I am not hard-pressed to find the true culprit like many are, but I have been playing along to keep a better relationship with them. And you needn't apologize for what happened with Rideaux. I do not fault you for what you did... I was infuriated as well.
[Because that's his emotional support genius tactician Rideaux was shit-talking?!]
Regardless, I intend to make sure he does not harm you.
[That gets him to settle easily. Dist tends to understand him better than anyone else, and if anyone's going to understand "this guy insulted me so I wanted him to die to the point where I stopped being rational" it's going to be Dist. So it's good that Dist was already aware of it, even if that is the sort of thing he should be more embarrassed about admitting to. Oh well. Everyone here knows he's petty and now everyone knows he has a temper to match! Great.]
I wasn't capable of saying it at the moment, but I do appreciate how quickly you jumped to my defense.
[Dist was able to shut Rideaux down from derailing the trial with pointless talk about Iago's mask so that really does mean a lot to him. He's been surprisingly lucky in that only one person has brought it up in any sort of negative way before this trial, but it really was just a matter of time until someone set him off about it.]
I also appreciate that you're willing to attempt to get Rideaux to see reason. He isn't nearly as intelligent as he likes to think he is, but even he wouldn't be stupid enough to kill me right now. Everyone would assume he'd be behind it, after all.
[At least, he sure hopes Rideaux isn't that stupid. Of course, that does open up the possibility of someone trying to frame Rideaux for it...]
Thank you, Dist. I'm... feeling a bit better now. You have my apologies for... [vague handwave] That. All of that. I'm afraid I've been entirely too close to the breaking point for too long now and today finally pushed me over the edge.
[Anyone who wants to mess with Iago has to get through Dist first!!
Let's hope this is never in a physical sense because Iago's boned in that case. Sorry Iago...]
Oh, I believe the same. But I still dislike the idea of him attempting to injure you in retaliation. I would like to avoid an altercation at all, really.
[Because again, noodles...
That last bit gets a small sigh out of him, and he leans back into Iago. He's starting to crash from the adrenaline all of this has given him, but he needs to hang on for just a bit longer. He has a few stops to make tonight.]
You are welcome, though you really have no need to apologize. This situation has put us under overwhelming pressure. I am just glad that I was able to be here for you when you needed it.
[d-don't say things like that with a straight face, you're going to embarrass him...
But thankfully Dist isn't dwelling on that and Iago's perfectly fine with holding him close for a little while longer. He's never been one for physical affection like this, but it's easy with Dist. Things seem to always be easier with Dist.]
Thank you, then. You've been excellent at supporting me throughout all these difficult and trying times. I'm not sure where I'd be without you.
[Dead, probably?? But that's hardly the point and not something he's going to stop and think about right now.]
I intend to keep to myself for a little while so most of the others will have little reason to be irritated with me. [He figures the motive will be a good distraction, at least.] I'm certainly not going to stop working to learn more about this place, however. I wouldn't dream of giving up now, after everything else we've gone through.
[In other words, he's going to be kind of a mess for a little while, but he'll get himself sorted out eventually. He has to remain useful to the group so they don't turn on him and Iago always does better when he has something to focus on anyway.]
[Let's not think about where either of them would be without each other. Sweet Yulia.]
I am glad to hear it. If you would like, we can spend some time looking at possible new locations together. [This probably goes without saying, but...] And you are welcome to use my room for as long as you need to. I...rather liked spending last night with you.
[Even if the floor is a little rough. It was worth it.]
I'll see about getting some help to bring my mattress in here, then. I... really would appreciate that, Dist. Even though I don't believe Rideaux will do anything to harm me, I'd prefer not to remain next door to him.
[There's safety in numbers, and perhaps more importantly, he'd rather stay close to Dist.]
I would like to explore the new locations that open up with you, however. With any luck, we'll finally find something that will give you more to work with.
Consider this an extreme precaution. [...and also an excuse.] Just let me know if you would like my assistance. A mattress should be something the two of us can handle, you know.
[Hahaha...]
Oh, likewise. I could certainly use something like that to throw myself at right about now...
[He is so stressed. Not that he's the only one, obviously. But hey, autoshop is coming!!!]
Anything more we can learn will benefit us, but I can't exactly complain about the break last week. As ridiculous as it was, it was also quite entertaining.
[Watching everyone else be uncomfortable is so great, 10/10 would fluster everyone again.]
Oh, I meant that in a metaphorical sense. But it wasn't bad. I didn't contract anything from it, which is the most I can hope for.
[He can only stomach the like...three things he knows how to make for so long, so he kind of caved at some point and started eating the offerings of others.]
[he's refrained from teasing dist endlessly, but that doesn't mean he won't punch dist's ego a little!! gently.]
Of course. And... thank you again, Dist.
[It hasn't been easy, and things likely won't get any easier from here on out given everything he decided to be at the trial today, but for now... Well, for now he can handle this.]
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I did make a mistake, and I do regret it, but not for the reasons you're likely assuming. I was... so furious with Rideaux for what he said. [About his mask. About what's under his mask.] I refused to consider that there could be another possibility. I wanted him dead, so I pushed to have him killed.
[Whether he was truly guilty or not didn't matter. He laid his arguments out, he was certain that everyone else would fall for them and the majority vote would go to Rideaux regardless. He'd stopped paying attention to anything else.]
I'm only sorry because I didn't get away with it, and only because Rideaux is far stronger than I am. [Without his magic, at least.] I want you to know the truth.
[Even though that truth is ugly and bitter and certainly detrimental. After a moment he exhales slowly and his gaze darts.]
I'm not sorry and I have no intention of attempting to apologize to Rideaux for my behavior. [He's pretty sure Rideaux wouldn't buy it anyway.] But I don't intend to die here, and I don't intend to allow myself to be so blinded by rage in the future. I... truly am sorry to have put you in a position like this.
[Dist shouldn't have to try to fight his battles for him, even when that battle is simply asking Rideaux not to do anything stupid.]
But I do agree - we need each other to make it through this. I don't intend to die here. I'll continue to do what I can to make it through. I'll be right by your side when we finish this.
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Honestly...I figured as much. It is why I did not refute your arguments against him. While I was convinced of the presence of Sanguis, the hints that we received did not seem to add up and I couldn't quite place it until Ulquiorra later explained.
[He felt so fucking stupid. How had he not considered Gelu being at play?!]
I have said to you before that I am not hard-pressed to find the true culprit like many are, but I have been playing along to keep a better relationship with them. And you needn't apologize for what happened with Rideaux. I do not fault you for what you did... I was infuriated as well.
[Because that's his emotional support genius tactician Rideaux was shit-talking?!]
Regardless, I intend to make sure he does not harm you.
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I wasn't capable of saying it at the moment, but I do appreciate how quickly you jumped to my defense.
[Dist was able to shut Rideaux down from derailing the trial with pointless talk about Iago's mask so that really does mean a lot to him. He's been surprisingly lucky in that only one person has brought it up in any sort of negative way before this trial, but it really was just a matter of time until someone set him off about it.]
I also appreciate that you're willing to attempt to get Rideaux to see reason. He isn't nearly as intelligent as he likes to think he is, but even he wouldn't be stupid enough to kill me right now. Everyone would assume he'd be behind it, after all.
[At least, he sure hopes Rideaux isn't that stupid. Of course, that does open up the possibility of someone trying to frame Rideaux for it...]
Thank you, Dist. I'm... feeling a bit better now. You have my apologies for... [vague handwave] That. All of that. I'm afraid I've been entirely too close to the breaking point for too long now and today finally pushed me over the edge.
[It's kind of embarrassing, really...]
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[Anyone who wants to mess with Iago has to get through Dist first!!
Let's hope this is never in a physical sense because Iago's boned in that case. Sorry Iago...]
Oh, I believe the same. But I still dislike the idea of him attempting to injure you in retaliation. I would like to avoid an altercation at all, really.
[Because again, noodles...
That last bit gets a small sigh out of him, and he leans back into Iago. He's starting to crash from the adrenaline all of this has given him, but he needs to hang on for just a bit longer. He has a few stops to make tonight.]
You are welcome, though you really have no need to apologize. This situation has put us under overwhelming pressure. I am just glad that I was able to be here for you when you needed it.
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But thankfully Dist isn't dwelling on that and Iago's perfectly fine with holding him close for a little while longer. He's never been one for physical affection like this, but it's easy with Dist. Things seem to always be easier with Dist.]
Thank you, then. You've been excellent at supporting me throughout all these difficult and trying times. I'm not sure where I'd be without you.
[Dead, probably?? But that's hardly the point and not something he's going to stop and think about right now.]
I intend to keep to myself for a little while so most of the others will have little reason to be irritated with me. [He figures the motive will be a good distraction, at least.] I'm certainly not going to stop working to learn more about this place, however. I wouldn't dream of giving up now, after everything else we've gone through.
[In other words, he's going to be kind of a mess for a little while, but he'll get himself sorted out eventually. He has to remain useful to the group so they don't turn on him and Iago always does better when he has something to focus on anyway.]
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I am glad to hear it. If you would like, we can spend some time looking at possible new locations together. [This probably goes without saying, but...] And you are welcome to use my room for as long as you need to. I...rather liked spending last night with you.
[Even if the floor is a little rough. It was worth it.]
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[There's safety in numbers, and perhaps more importantly, he'd rather stay close to Dist.]
I would like to explore the new locations that open up with you, however. With any luck, we'll finally find something that will give you more to work with.
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[Hahaha...]
Oh, likewise. I could certainly use something like that to throw myself at right about now...
[He is so stressed. Not that he's the only one, obviously. But hey, autoshop is coming!!!]
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I really do want to see more of your work, especially when you aren't limited by whatever the Lady has done to this place.
[...okay, it doesn't actually seem to be the Lady's fault, but he's going to blame her anyway, so!!]
But even if you don't find anything like that, I'm sure we'll find something to do with ourselves.
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Of course. We will make sure to spend the time wisely. We always do, don't we?
[...listen, the party last week was totally a wise use of time.]
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Absolutely.
[iago no]
Anything more we can learn will benefit us, but I can't exactly complain about the break last week. As ridiculous as it was, it was also quite entertaining.
[Watching everyone else be uncomfortable is so great, 10/10 would fluster everyone again.]
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[Dist, pausing on the Fomicry project just to work on more machines doesn't really count.
Back to the party, though...he nods, remembering a particularly satisfying moment.]
I wonder if Dazai will cook up anything else for us this week.
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Was it particularly good? I didn't try any of it.
[He makes a point of never eating anything he hasn't seen prepared, so unsurprisingly he never eats at any of their gatherings.]
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[He can only stomach the like...three things he knows how to make for so long, so he kind of caved at some point and started eating the offerings of others.]
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[oh my god.]
Perhaps I'll make something for you some time. I wouldn't say I'm any good, but at least it's something different.
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I just eat to get by, really...
[Do you want to know how much omurice he has eaten in his lifetime?
An immeasurable amount.]
I would be incredibly appreciative if you cooked for me, though. It sounds...lovely, actually.
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[it's the equivalent of setting the bar on the floor, but that's fine.......]
I'll be sure to prepare something for you soon, then. Consider it thanks for allowing me to stay with you until things have calmed down.
[...we both know he isn't moving out of your room for the rest of the game, right...]
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Goodness, you're denting my ego here...
[Doesn't he get that enough from the others, Iago? Doesn't he?]
That said, I look forward to what you have in store for me. Thank you.
[You're stuck here now, Iago. Get used to it!!]
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Of course. And... thank you again, Dist.
[It hasn't been easy, and things likely won't get any easier from here on out given everything he decided to be at the trial today, but for now... Well, for now he can handle this.]