(too late) you're at the party

[scouserer]

[Well, it's safe to say that trial fucking sucked. Therefore, some sort of afterparty is in order. Constantine is admittedly not good at throwing parties without some sort of liquor or other drug involved, but that's where Data and Sylvando guide him.

First order of business--invites. Upon returning to your rooms, crumpled pieces of paper have been taped to the doors. Written in poor handwriting is the following:]

meet at the lounge
bring whatever you want
[Simple, but effective. The lounge itself has been livened up a bit with Sylvando's help. Some nicely patterned fabric has been draped around on the tables to liven up the place a little, and snacks from the café and vending machines have been placed out for people to peruse.

A few supplies from the first aid room have been gathered, as well, for those who may need it. But perhaps the help is unnecessary, as tomorrow will likely bring another New Years Eve. And with it, another week of despair and frustration.

But for now, they can forget about that and pretend that all that matters is the present.]

Comments

[hypnowhip]

[Oh, Freyja... His heart breaks a little, just seeing her like this. With her consent, he gently wraps his arms around her and holds her close.]

I'm so sorry, honey...

[He's not exactly sure what put her in this state, but he's considering her reaction to the motive and how sincere she was in her belief that it must have been a fake. It must have been such a nasty shock. He won't pry, though- instead just letting this comforting attempt play out.]

[dokkalfheimr]

[Even though she said it was okay, for a moment she doesn't seem to know what to do; her hands just kind of...awkwardly hover over his back before she just sort of latches on eventually, making sure to not...catch him in the face with her horns or something, that would be unfortunate.]

I'll... It's all right, I just... I don't like feeling this way, is all.

[hypnowhip]

[The horns are definitely new, but Sylvando is mindful of them as well. He keeps up the embrace as long as Freyja is comfortable with.]

I certainly don't blame you. You just looked so miserable, I... I couldn't bear to just leave you alone like that.

[dokkalfheimr]

[She doesn't seem to mind it; it's been a long time since anyone has done this, and it likely shows.]

Thank you, I just...

[She just...what, exactly.]

...He took a person from me. In my memories.

I can't...stand the idea that that could happen again.

[hypnowhip]

[He's patient as Freyja works through what she wants to say. And by the time it's out there, he can see exactly why.]

I'm so sorry, darling. I can't even begin to imagine how horrible that must have been to wake up to this morning.

[...]

I really hope he doesn't do this again. Once was barely enough to bear. It's like reopening a wound...or creating entirely new ones.

[dokkalfheimr]

It is.

[She'll pull back a bit after that. Just...trying to collect herself a little.]

Are you all right...? After...everything.

[hypnowhip]

[It seems like he doesn't know what to do with that question for a second.]

If I'm going to be honest, I feel like the worst of it hasn't really hit me yet. Like I'm just waiting for it all to come crashing down. I guess I've just been so busy tonight, I haven't had the time to think...

[Bedtime is gonna be rough, in other words.]

[dokkalfheimr]

Is it the memory, or the trial?

[hypnowhip]

I... It's the memory. The trial certainly did not help, but...

After the Captain took that memory, I got to live under the impression that a dear friend had not died during our first encounter with the Lord of Shadows.

[dokkalfheimr]

[Ohhhh, god.]

...I'm so sorry, Sylvando. I can't even begin to imagine.

[If the Captain had dared touch her memories of Freyr...well, things would have gone very differently this week.]

If you need anything, please do let me know.

[hypnowhip]

I...appreciate it, darling.

[In spite of everything, he manages a small laugh.]

I think that hug did something good for me too, actually... It was nice, and comforting. I guess I needed it too.