but even if the stars and moon collide [afterparty]

[allatonce]

[Well, that sucked!

After about an hour, invitations written in colorful ink appear under everyone's doors.]

Understandable if you're not up to it, but we're having a memorial and "don't wanna be alone" hang-out in the restaurant again.

[The restaurant has very much been decorated with the most rainbow fabric she could find in the department store. Jonathan got roped in, mainly so she could make sure he was doing okay, but also because she assumed that he knew how to put a tablecloth on a table. He seemed like the type, anyway.

After consulting with Undertaker, most of the food that's been set out is more traditional Chinese funeral food than Victorian—you can get a whole roast duck in the restaurant—but she tried for a mix of things. There is fruit, the aforementioned roast duck, and several vegetarian dishes along with potatoes for some reason and... cookies? Okay then.

Joy's trying, because that was way less terrible for her than it was for basically anyone else.

Happy Pride Wrath, New Rapture!]

Comments

[specialyellthing]

[She’s quick to hop up and get the door]

Aw, Champ! You didn’t have to do that! [She manages a smile for him, but reaches to take the food.]

Thanks for thinking of me. Ya wanna come in?

[hotpaprika]

[He manages a small smile back.]

Truthfully, I have been making the rounds for everyone who couldn't attend, but I wanted to check on you in particular.

[He hands her the food, suddenly frowning and looking away of her.]

I... I am truly sorry for my behavior today.

[specialyellthing]

Champ, when ya do something nice for a girl, let her feel special! Don’t tell her it’s jus’ what you’re doing for everyone! [Her chide is playful, and she steps back to let him into the common area. Mina will thank her some day.]

Yeah? … I get it. You’re not used to it. All the death.

[hotpaprika]

I told you that I wanted to especially visit you.

[He sounds playfully hurt, but it quickly turns sheepish.]

I... suppose. I certainly have had some experience with death but... I only had to worry about myself then. It's so much harder when there's others that I care so deeply about.

[specialyellthing]

[Her expression follows his, as she sinks back down into the depression couch.]

… Yeah. It’s hard, gettin used to.

But you have gotta stop tryin to trade your life for others, Champ.

[hotpaprika]

[Jonathan sits down next to her, placing the food on a table next to them.]

I... I know, but I can't contribute anything else to our rescue. I... I could still use myself as a shield to buy everyone else extra time if needed.

[specialyellthing]

That’s what I’m talking about. Nobody needs ya to do that. At best, it’d just end up upsettin everyone enough that they can’t focus.

I spend a lotta time with heroes. And let me tell ya. It’s not all that. It’s infuriating.

[hotpaprika]

I'm terribly sorry, I wasn't trying to infuriate you! It's simply that...

[He exhales, hugging himself.]

I... I do not know what I am supposed to do here. I'm not strong like you or stable like Forrest. I cannot even hold my own promises of controlling myself during trials. I... have no idea how am I suppose to help the team at all.'

[Jonathan suddenly finds himself looking like he said something wrong.]

I'm so sorry, I came here to check up on you, and here I am throwing my own pity party again.

[specialyellthing]

[Zinda waves her hand at his apology, dismissing it. She’s serious, but not mad—- he’s now seen her properly angry to be able to note the difference.]

Don’t fuss about it, I’m the one who brought it up.

You know who you remind me of, Champ?

[hotpaprika]

[He looks back at Zinda.]

Who do I remind you of?

[specialyellthing]

My Skipper. [Its reminiscent of the way he had said My Obi earlier, but only slightly.]

She’s too hard on herself. She had somethin bad happen to her, once—- I guess you could say a monster took away her freedom, too. It took a long time for her to figure out her place in the world again. Had to figure out what skills she still had, and how to use em all over again.

But she figured it out. And she’s the only person in this world that I’d ever dream of workin for.

You’ll figure it out, Champ.

[hotpaprika]

... Oh.

[He smiles softly listening to her talk about her Skipper. It seems like they had a close bond, and he can't help but but feel comforted by her words. Jonathan leans up against Zinda slightly.]

... Thanks Zinda, I am honored that I remind you of such a wonderful person. I will do my best to find my way again, I promise. You... you certainly deserve that much.

[specialyellthing]

She’s a good one. [Zinda tosses an arm around Jonathan’s shoulder, making herself comfortable.]

And so are you, Champ. I know you’ve got it in you.

[hotpaprika]

[There is a small warmth in his heart as he hears this.

He smiles, leaning lightly against her.]

Thank you, Zinda. Words cannot describe how much you mean to me.

[There is a long silence as he just sits next to her. It was a unique feeling to feel absolutely miserable but having friends by your side helping you through it. It didn't cure everything but it was a strangely cozy feeling that he can't help but enjoy.

He glances briefly to the table and his eye catches the tray that he brought in earlier.]

Oh, but you should really eat something if you haven't today. Some food would do you good.

[specialyellthing]

[Zinda laughs, drawing back from him, and reaching for a sandwich.]

Now you’re mother-hennin’ me, huh? Guess I need that.

[hotpaprika]

[He chuckles lightly.]

I came here to make sure you were being looked after. I would be poor at my job if I didn't insist for you to eat.

[specialyellthing]

Normally, when a man has a pretty woman on his shoulder, he doesn' shoo her off. [She turns, and grins at him-- she's teasing the poor man. She takes a big ol bite of sandwich.]