"You aren't feeling well." It was a statement more than anything. Sat beside the Meister's bed on a lone chair, Mai frowned. "Have the sleeping pills wo-"
"-No. Of course not." Why did Shizuru have to hear this from everyone? Especially Mai of all people? Exhaling sharply, the Archmeister rolled onto her side. "Of course not." She repeated, her voice muffled by the pillows. With her back facing the Princess, she closed her eyes. Shizuru simply couldn't understand it. The moment she felt herself slipping unconscious, she was awoken by the sensation of falling.
It was horrible.
"Then instead, speak with me?" Mai suggested, leaning closer towards the bed. Her hands were cupped into her lap, and she regarded Shizuru silently. Perhaps if she went about this in another fashion, this would work? But Shizuru Viola saw through everything.
"About what?" Shizuru bit, feeling the urge for sarcasm. She wondered why, and opened her eyes. Staring at the door, a confused pondering entered her mind. This wasn't like her. But without Natsuki, it wasn't surprising she was in this state? Since the younger Otome's death, Shizuru had kept everything bottled. But to have Mai even entertain the idea that she could speak her-Sighing again, she gave in. "Fine." She muttered, feeling the presence behind her lean closer. "Fine." Shizuru acknowledged, feeling Mai distance herself again. "But what am I supposed to say? Where do I even start?"
"That's…" Mai straightened, watching the elder woman. "The hard part. It takes time." But did they have this time, Mai wondered? She made a start to clutch Shizuru's shoulder. At last moment, she retreated, her hand hovering above clothed skin. She stared at the notion in confusion. Why was this so difficult? Was she afraid?
"I do not have the energy for this." Shizuru relented quietly. Rolling back onto her other side, she stiffened suddenly. Finding the fire Meister's hand close to her shoulder, she eyed Mai oddly. The redhead appeared to be in a world of her own. "Mai?" Shizuru uttered out, the younger woman jumping.
"E-eh, ah. I'm sorry." Mai muttered, taking her hand away from the elder.
To simply listen to Shizuru. Would this be enough? Healing meant to release pressure from your shoulders. But would this feat aid the Archmeister? Mai knew very well what she was dealing with right now. It wasn't just that simple with Shizuru Viola.
"I feel… lost." Shizuru murmured after a silent moment. She stared at Mai's legs absently, her mind churning annoyingly slow. "I am afraid I might be… changing." She continued; Was that the right wording? "I do not know whether I am coming or going. I-"
In the end, did it mean they would all change?