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Graves' arrival had been convenient and Kazuki was glad to see him. There was something about his consistency that was refreshing, even if it was accompanied by a metaphorical gut punch. Oh no, was that what everyone thought of him? Was his failure just going to follow him around forever? It was one thing for his every spare thought burying him in anxiety over it, but somehow hearing it out loud was a thousand times worse. At least Graves was open about it, what of the rest? Would they just look at him in pity? Would Alex be reminded and reject his offer? Was it his destiny to drown in his failure and be blacklisted from any parties because they want a competent healer despite him pouring over medical texts and doing his best to improve [i]oh no what if they saw him buying the books and laughed at his attempts--[/i]

Before Kazuki would drown in his thoughts, Graves mentioned a meeting, snapping him back to reality. Yes, of course, he should take advantage of the fact that Graves had openly approached them. He was still convinced the man was probably better off with the guild but if there was any chance at him possibly being open to the idea of sticking with them, then Kazuki would be a fool to pass up the opportunity. 

[color=plum]"Actually--"[/color] Was he saying that too much? 'Actually'? No, it was happenstance. [color=plum]"--you're someone I wanted to talk to as well,"[/color] Kazuki admitted. [color=plum]"I was just mentioning to Alex that his performance yesterday proved that he was someone to be trusted, and now that you're here, I'll extend that to you as well. There's no denying your skills and I understand if you feel you're better off elsewhere, but I was hoping you'd consider sticking to Benkei and I--and Alex as well, if he agrees."[/color]

Even if he felt like he was repeating himself, he figured it was best to explain. But whereas he thought Alex had one approach, he thought it was best to change it up a little for Graves. Aside from not wanting to come off as repetitive, different targets required alternate methods of recruitment. That thought did not sound manipulative at all regardless of what his conscious told him. 

[color=plum]"I don't think anyone yesterday would deny your abilities and strength came to the rescue a multitude of times, and your synergy with the others was unparalleled,"[/color] He continued. [color=plum]"I think coming together as a group would benefit everyone. The rules have changed in more ways than one, I don't think it's unreasonable to believe that there are strength in numbers. We don't know what else has changed aside from the monsters, as well as..."[/color]

He trailed off as he thought back to Marianna. [color=plum]"...the rest of this world. When I was on my way back from the shop, a NPC approached me and spoke to me of my performances. It's not surprising that they remembered as a majority of my revenue came from them, but it was strange that she approached me first. [i]Everything [/i]about the conversation was strange, I almost thought I was talking to another player,"[/color] He shook his head, a little more determined. [color=plum]"Which is why I would like--why I was hoping we could also count on your support."[/color]

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