Log: Shiro and Clarice

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Clarice tentatively knocked on Shiro's door after seeing his post about being awake. "Shiro-kun?" she called, using a Japanese term she didn't quite understand, but hoped wasn't inappropriate.

Shiro was sitting on the couch in his suite's common room, trying to focus on the television but finding himself nodding off. Upon hearing the knock, he shut off the TV and went to open the door. "Clarice?" It was surprising to hear her call him that, and he wondered if she even knew what it meant.

"Hey," she said, grabbing him into a bear hug and trying not to cry, her relief was obvious, "Don't be stupid like that again, okay?"

Shiro let out a little "oof" at the hug, but returned it. "Have you been talking to my sister? You sound just like her."

She smiled, letting him go, "No, she's been with Alex, but it's a rule I have. Never do the same stupid thing twice. Makes things more interesting. I've been so worried about you!"

"Take a number," Shiro said, taking a seat on the couch. "I've never been this fussed over. I need to remember not to do this again."

She followed, joining him, placing a long thing wrapped in a carebears bedsheet on the floor with her. "Well...you lost your family in Japan. So now you have one here whether you like it or not."

Shiro's glanced briefly at the door to the room he and Alex shared, and he nodded. "Their loss, I guess." He looked at the thing Clarice had brought with her and raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"Definately their loss," she agreed, glancing at her surprise. "Well...this is a loaner. Okay? I haven't finished your real present."

Shiro picked up the "loaner" and removed the sheet. "No," he said firmly, handing Clarice's katana back to her with both hands. "I can't. This is yours."

Somehow, she knew he'd say that. "I can't train unless you have something. So I'm being selfish," she told him, "but...I have other blades. You don't. It's a loan."

"I know, and I appreciate it but it's not mine. I can't use it. The hilt isn't made for my hand, the balance is wrong . . ." He gave Clarice a small smile. "Thank you, really."

She wrapped it back up, nodding, "I know. You're welcome though. I just...I wish you had said something to me! Or Alex or someone! And not tried to blow yourself up! I mean, what if you had died? Then the bad guys would win!"

Shiro's smile widened a bit, and he fought to urge to laugh. "Something tells me that Magneto wouldn't suddenly rip up half of Manhattan and destroy the mansion if I had died."

"Pshh, not Magneto! Those bad guys in Japan! I mean, they want you, right?" at his nod, she continued, "And by staying here, or anywhere they aren't really, you win. You're in control of you and of Leyu. By dying, they win. They forced you to not be in control of yourself or of Leyu. It's not as good a win as if they had you alive, but still a win."

Shiro blinked. That was actuall a very good point. First Leyu proved that she was smarter than him, then Alex, and now Clarice. A name change to Dumbfire was in order. "I . . . never thought of it that way."

"It's why I didn't kill myself when I realized I was a mutant," Clarice confided in him, "I mean, it's not exactly something people other than Paige want. But yeah, can't let big bad bigoted society win either."

Shiro sat back in his seat. "Hmm. So you think I should write my cousin a 'Haha I'm still alive fuck you' letter?"

Clarice grinned, "Heh, of course...not. We attract enough trouble without having to ask for it. I'm sure they'll be back eventually. And you'll have your sword and we'll get all samurai on their asses."

Even in is weakened and powerless state, Shiro couldn't deny how he'd enjoy fighting (and defeating) the Silver Samurai. "I can hardly wait." And that wasn't entirely a lie.

"See?" Clarice stood, picking her sword up, "Now you...sleep or whatever. So when they come you'll be ready."

Shiro laughed and softly and stood up to escort her out. "Thank you, Clarice. I will be in bad-guy-fighting condition in no time, ne?"

"Absolutely!" she agreed, heading down the hallway.