some moments last forever, and some flare out with love, love, love [afterparty]

[visiblepattern]

[So that all sucked really bad, huh.

Forrest had meant what he said about going to the clinic immediately after all of this, getting medical supplies ready and set up on hand to prepare to receive people - Dandy is the primary candidate for this, whether he likes it or not - but before he goes he grabs Rossiu for the briefest moment before sending him on his way. Sure enough, when the note comes in a few minutes it isn't in Forrest's flowing, delicate hand but rather something blockier and incredibly neat. If you've seen Rossiu's handwriting, you'll recognize it: ]

We're having a memorial gathering in the ice cream parlor in an hour. Feel free to attend if you'd like, or if you would prefer to not be alone.
[...It seems like as good a place as any.

There are some things set up, though not terribly many; the tables are set out and are perhaps a bit closer than they normally would be, but go ahead and make yourself some sundaes, pull up a chair, talk to one another, ruminate over whether Jason and Hagakure would have liked this (or whether Vholran wouldn't have, either way) - it's your night, to do what you want with.]

Comments

[visiblepattern]

Either that, or they'll decide they're bored and start killing at a faster rate. The latter one is what I'm concerned about.

[He doesn't like that thought and it's obvious; he shakes his head a bit.]

Sorry, that's... We don't need that.

[pairtner]

...you're right. I'm sorry for bringing this up. Realism doesn't have to be negativity.

[Aiba nods, feeling a little guilty]

Besides, someone has to watch over you as well. I do intend to do that too

[It's no secret to anyone Forrest is hit hard by stuff happening. She doesn't rule out this week once again he's suffering]

[visiblepattern]

No, no, it's all right. It's hard not to talk about it after people die. I'm not mad with you for bringing it up or anything.

[...That said...]

You don't have to look after me, though. Unless you want to; I won't tell you no in that circumstance, but only if it's what you want to do.

[pairtner]

Of course it's what I want to do.

[Especially since she has almost complete freedom to do whatever she wants, being by herself]

Artificial intelligences such as myself are meant to help humanity. That's what we were made for -- but I have enough free will to decide. I want to assist you all as well as I can, and even more when it's to a friend.

[visiblepattern]

I'm glad, then. That you've decided that, and that I can be friends with you.

[He seems genuinely pleased with this.]

There were people who tried to look after me at home - one because he's my cousin and he thought I couldn't take care of myself, and one because she's my retainer, so it's her job. It's different when people feel like they have to, but it's kind of nice when they want to.

[pairtner]

It does make sense someone in your position would have people who have to look after you -- it surprises me it's only one retainer instead of several.

[Aiba certainly has been looking out for people the best she could. For a moment she wonders if that's how being someone's retainer feels like -- to have to worry they're going to do something they shouldn't, or something. Boy has she felt that ever since Jonathan got locked in that isolation chamber]