... <small.[a pause, and then Osomatsu sighs]</small. You did really well at the trial, though. Like, you're super smart. I was really impressed.

Ah...

[a pause, as he thinks about his next words carefully]

If it helps, I don't think you're like that type at all.

[that smile makes Osomatsu smile too, and he goes quiet for a moment, before he, too, drops his head]

In fact, if I'm gonna be honest, I actually... saw more of myself in that guy... Frasier.

[he shifts uncomfortably]

Yeah... [and then, with more conviction] Yeah. [he lifts his gaze] I want that. I want to be rich and famous, a big-name legend. Back at home, I would've done anything to get some cash.

... [he doesn't know. maybe he wouldn't murder for money and fame, but if the Sergeant threatened his family...]

Up until recently, I was this guy who was living off of my parents. I didn't have a job, or any friends. I was a bum. [he closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. he's not quite sure where he's going with this conversation. maybe he just wants to get it off his chest] Then, dad got sick, and it really scared us. So I decided things needed to change. I'd just started working when I was brought here.

[he rubs his cheek, still looking down] I dunno what point I'm trying to make. Maybe that people can change at the drop of a hat, or that even if you've been one way your whole life, it doesn't define who you are. I've met so many cool people here, like you, and... I think this whole thing will change me, too. It'll probably change everyone here. Even if you are some rich guy, that's not what makes you you.

[whoof! that was a lot... he feels a little better though, and he finally lifts his head, smiling again. it's hard to see some of yourself in a murderer. Osomatsu saw a little too much]

Hehe. Sorry about that... I just unloaded stuff on you.

[actually, he feels like Franciscus is one of the most trustworthy people here. Osomatsu really enjoys talking to him. they may not be super close, like he and his brothers, but Osomatsu considers him a good friend]

You're really easy to talk to, is all. Guess that's part of your, uh, charm? [as the guestbook puts it]

Yeah, probably not! If you stuck out too much, something might happen to you... And I don't mean just you, I mean any of us. It's better to stay together as a group.

[right...]

Nacchan's pretty smart about this... whole thing. [gestures with his hand] I think she's really scared, though.

I don't think most of us are. [a shrug. she is just another one they have to protect, right?]

I think we're all lookin' out for each other, in some way. Well... most of us.