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

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.

[It's not THAT oh my gosh]

We do. It is...to keep our identities safe. That is all I can say.

[what else is she supposed to think!!]

You wouldn't be the only ones who had to hide.

I know.

[Quiet again...]

I keep wondering...if I should tell everyone everything. It has been four weeks, and...while we are still certainly in danger, I do not think it is the kind of danger that faced me at home.

...It's like we talked about before. How our secrets mean the most to us, even if other people might not know the context of why the things on our profiles are important. I wouldn't blame you.

...I shall continue to give it more and more thought.

[She brings a hand up to the ends of her hair, tugs it a little.]

...It's fine if you do or don't. At home, I was hiding things, too. They... came back to haunt me. But I know if I hadn't hidden them, I'd never have gotten as far as I did.

...

[Twists a finger in her hair.]

We did our best to hide things, my father and I. And yet, I was still discovered. But after that, the Professor kept me safe. She is not here...but perhaps I could still be safe, here. In a relative capacity.

Someone protected you. ...It's good of them. I didn't think I had anything like that... I probably don't. But at least right now, I have Emily, and... I've told one person aside from her. That's enough for now.

Whatever it is, maybe people might help you out, too.

[Either that or people will definitely try to drain her of blood to try and escape.]

Maybe. Like I said, it will be thought over considerably.

[do NOT]

Right. I won't push you to do anything. I'd be a hypocrite if I did. The only reason I even told Zero is because he's the same as me.

(no subject)

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