[Frankly, he's expecting some form of punishment. Illusions to make him question reality and his own choices, a dagger in his side, being outright tackled, even a slap.... He expects it, and is ready to accept whatever it is. After all, why should he not be lashed out at? Years ago, he and Al promised that they would stick by Faustino forever, until their bones gave way and their flesh rotted. Doing this.... is a betrayal. A breaking of the most important oath.]
[But in the end, the only punishment he receives are Faustino's words, and Ciro closes his eyes. Just words, but they hurt so much. He wants Faustino to wait for him like he's had to wait for Faustino so many times before in the past, to welcome him back. Except that's not their roles in life, huh?]
I'll still be waiting for your call.
[Opening his eyes again, forcing himself to look Faustino in the eyes and face all that rage and despair, he braces himself.]
Because that's what you have to do if you want me, Faustino. I'm yours, from my body to whatever it holds. But waiting here for you while you go do whatever you please, without telling us even when there's a chance you could get into a situation like this...
[A deep breath. He'd be a liar if he said it didn't shake a little bit.]
...I refuse to go through that again. Waiting, oblivious and ignorant, knowing you were being tortured, unable to have helped sooner or even help then because you tell us nothing...
If I stay in Italy, the next time you inevitably do that.... I'm just going to go through that again. I'm going to sit here, wondering what I could have done, torturing myself, all because your pride was too much to call on me from the start.
[Carefully, he pushes himself up to his feet, gaze flickering to where Faustino's hands had clenched so tightly. His fault.... but Faustino isn't without blame here either.]
...But if you call me, no matter when, I'll come. Even away in Japan, I'll still be yours.
All you have to do is call for me.
[He wonders if Faustino's pride will allow him to do even that much.]
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[But in the end, the only punishment he receives are Faustino's words, and Ciro closes his eyes. Just words, but they hurt so much. He wants Faustino to wait for him like he's had to wait for Faustino so many times before in the past, to welcome him back. Except that's not their roles in life, huh?]
I'll still be waiting for your call.
[Opening his eyes again, forcing himself to look Faustino in the eyes and face all that rage and despair, he braces himself.]
Because that's what you have to do if you want me, Faustino. I'm yours, from my body to whatever it holds. But waiting here for you while you go do whatever you please, without telling us even when there's a chance you could get into a situation like this...
[A deep breath. He'd be a liar if he said it didn't shake a little bit.]
...I refuse to go through that again. Waiting, oblivious and ignorant, knowing you were being tortured, unable to have helped sooner or even help then because you tell us nothing...
If I stay in Italy, the next time you inevitably do that.... I'm just going to go through that again. I'm going to sit here, wondering what I could have done, torturing myself, all because your pride was too much to call on me from the start.
[Carefully, he pushes himself up to his feet, gaze flickering to where Faustino's hands had clenched so tightly. His fault.... but Faustino isn't without blame here either.]
...But if you call me, no matter when, I'll come. Even away in Japan, I'll still be yours.
All you have to do is call for me.
[He wonders if Faustino's pride will allow him to do even that much.]