Haruka opens her mouth to promise. With this, it should be enough, right? If she only agrees to watch out for herself, then Michiru won't have to--
--have to?
Realization flashes across Haruka's face, and her jaw clicks shut. "No."
Her features sharpen, harsh lines marring her brow, the corners of her eyes. Her words, too, have a jagged edge to them. "Those things aren't dependent on each other. Even if I misstep in battle, that's my own responsibility, and my own consequences to bear. Don't make it sound like it's your duty to protect me, and like I can only keep you from sacrificing yourself for my sake by being a good enough soldier."
She pulls her hand away again, straightens and turns, now standing before Michiru in full. Her eyes lock onto hers, inescapable. "If I'm so weak that I would die for it, then I deserve to die."
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--have to?
Realization flashes across Haruka's face, and her jaw clicks shut. "No."
Her features sharpen, harsh lines marring her brow, the corners of her eyes. Her words, too, have a jagged edge to them. "Those things aren't dependent on each other. Even if I misstep in battle, that's my own responsibility, and my own consequences to bear. Don't make it sound like it's your duty to protect me, and like I can only keep you from sacrificing yourself for my sake by being a good enough soldier."
She pulls her hand away again, straightens and turns, now standing before Michiru in full. Her eyes lock onto hers, inescapable. "If I'm so weak that I would die for it, then I deserve to die."