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

[howveryglib]

Yes. Indeed.

[…

can like. the tea function as an apology. is he allowed to be that emotionally stupid. he would honestly prefer to be allowed to be that emotionally stupid and also to not have to go through the arduous task of maybe admitting he was wrong kind of. even if he’s not really sure he was.

…

in retrospect, since regrets have actually been pretty relevant for the past week, maybe actually apologizing and trying to see someone else’s point of view might have lead to him not completely tanking his relationship with someone he cared about in the past. maybe.]

…

I let my anger get the better of me earlier. I should not have been so… eager for further bloodshed.

[His voice is clipped and kind of awkward, as if he’s not really used to this sort of thing…]

[visiblepattern]

For what it's worth, I shouldn't have argued the point as far as I did, or been as harsh about it.

[It's quiet, but it's out there, at least.]

It's just that... This is the second time this has happened. It's going to happen more, and it's not going to stop until all of us are dead. I'm scared, and I'm tired. It makes me want to hide, to just lock myself in somewhere and never come out again.

I'm not...made for this, I don't think I can do it.

[howveryglib]

...I think all of us are dealing with similar feelings. I want to hold out hope that we will at least be able to find a way to end this horrific "game" before it takes all our lives, but...

[...]

It feels as though none of us have any power here. Regardless of what happens, we cannot prevent the inevitable.

[visiblepattern]

Exactly. And I...

[...]

I feel as though I'm here just to die. I'm aware that I'm an easier target than most.

[howveryglib]

You were not brought here to die more than anyone else, as far as I can tell.

[he sighs.]

I do not agree, necessarily, but... that is not really the reassurance I want to give. Regardless of how "easy" a target anyone here is, we are all under threat, and it does not feel... right to bring up who has survived so far and who has not...

[visiblepattern]

...I suppose not.

[It does get him to settle a little bit, though.]

I appreciate the guidance you've given me here so far. It's...been a great help.

[howveryglib]

I...

[...he hesitates, then continues.]

I am glad I was able to be of some help to you. If you need further guidance, you need only ask.

[visiblepattern]

Of course. Should something arise, I'll let you know.

[howveryglib]

[…]

Is there anything else you need at this moment, or are you faring well enough now?

[visiblepattern]

[...]

I think I'll be all right. Thank you.

[howveryglib]

I understand.

[He stands up, then!]

If there is aught you need, you know where I can be found.