unknownseas | it is a funeral.

[Well. That was certainly something.

Emotions are clearly high, so for once, Data steps out of his helper role and takes on the brunt of organizing the after-trial gathering. He's seen enough of them by now to know what's what. He's also seen more than enough in this particular trial to decide that the bar, while possibly being the most logical location, may be distressing to some! So instead, we're gonna do something different. Data will deliver invitations, that sort of look like a computer printed them, to each of the rooms:]

Please come to the ice cream parlor if you would like company at this time.

- Data

[Everybody likes ice cream!

There are no decorations, but there are some snack selections from the buffet and the cafe, depending on what you want, and a tray or two of mixed drinks courtesy of Jimmy Buffett. Data and Parker are both here. If you're sad, you may pet Parker (probably). If you're too depressed to make your own fancy sundae, Data will do it for you (definitely).]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sara hasn't moved to the bar yet, but she's not going to judge Flayn, either. The poor girl's had enough to deal with today.]

...hi.

Good evening.

[Just absolutely and determinedly eating ice cream. This will have no consequences at all.]

...are you going to be okay?

[Please don't get sick, we already had that today.]

...

[She wants to say yes, she'll be fine. Of course she will. She has no choice but to be.]

I am going to eat my ice cream. Beyond that...I will take things one day at a time.

That's the only option. We don't know what's going to happen next.

Mmhm.

[There's a beat. Flayn takes a big spoonful of ice cream and just. Quietly noms.]

...I am sorry for my behavior in that room.

[She's going to determinedly apologize to Everyone when she gets a chance, but. This is a start.]

You didn't do anything.

[Be tactless, maybe, but. It's Alice, even if she did grow a feeling.]

I did. I was cruel, and hurtful.

[She was petty and this is a CRIME]

You didn't deserve it. That's all.

[mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Still feels bad, bro]

I just - could not ignore someone being mistreated, and - that does not excuse my yelling at a woman who was fated to die. Whose fate was already...

[No, no, she was Flaynonymous. She needs that to remain with Flaynonymous.]

So it wasn't just losing he was worried about, it was dying... Of course.

D-Do not spread that around, please - it was revealed anonymously in my confessional!

[Flayn...............]

You... [?] It's fine. I keep a lot of secrets.

I made one earlier in the week, to try and give everyone an outlet to ease their burdens. But things said there are kept anonymous.

[It's not really anonymous but she really, really wants to reassure people, and what is someone like Flayn going to use someone else's secrets for?]

You're always doing kind things for people, no matter what.

I know no other way to be.

[It's not said like, pridefully? Or pretentiously? It just is. It's a fact.]

Even after everything you've seen. ...I couldn't do that. Even being friends with people again... it's hard, and it feels like I shouldn't.

It is because of all I have seen that I can be no other way. Isolation, especially when people are so near...I could not bear it.

Even if they wouldn't understand?

Even if they would not understand.

[There's a long pause.]

I...for a very long time, I was ill, and lost much time to my illness. Once I recovered, I found myself living in isolation, with only my brother for company. The only thing I wanted in those days was human contact. So if I have a choice in the matter...I will never return to those days. Not ever.

...Your brother must be a good person. I know even if he's overprotective, he took care of you.

[She nods slightly.]

...May I tell you something in confidence, Sara? Just one small thing.

I won't tell anyone. We all have secrets.

[It's not The Big Secret, but Flayn's voice lowers to a whisper.]

When I say "my brother"...in truth, he...he is my father.

[Sara's heard of families doing this, whispers of scandal, but she's never actually seen it herself. She blinks a few times and nods.]

Okay. You must have your reasons.

(no subject)

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