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

[hotpaprika]

[He gives a faint smile, but there is sadness behind his eyes. He will ask Dandy about the "infinite lives" part in a bit but... he needs to get this out.]

Thank you Dandy, truly. I do want to remain optimistic, but...

[He places his hands on Dandy's shoulders.]

I want to tell you something. I know we are trying to look after each other, but Fontaine is still desperate to get us to kill each other, and no matter how hard we try, there is a chance that this prison may be my final resting place. In... In the event I do die here I want you to promise me something:

Please... never blame yourself. You are a dear friend of mine, and I do not want you to think for a moment that you are at fault that my life has ended.

I... I love you too much for you to go hating yourself because of me.

[bootyhunter]

Oh, Jon.

Thanks for lettin' me know.

[Dandy wants to continue to be optimistic, but this is an important conversation to have this far into the game.]

But it goes both ways.

You can't beat yourself if anything happens to me. You've been doin' that a lot when it comes to the others. Or, well.

Other. Y'know?

[hotpaprika]

[He looks sheepishly at Dandy for a moment.]

I promise. No more blaming myself for people passing.

I... I am sure Obi wouldn't be happy to learn how self destructive I've been in his memory.

[...]

And... we should make the most of each moment we have together from now on.

[bootyhunter]

[Dandy leaves the words regarding Obi left unsaid. It's true, him of all people would have wanted the others to keep on keeping on in his memory, probably.]

Good to see you finally gettin' the hang of things, Jonny.

Now that's the Dandy way to live.

[Making the best of what you've got... Is what he means.]

[hotpaprika]

I think I could grow used to that sort of lifestyle.

[He smiles fondly at Dandy. Despite everything, he still absolutely adored the man.

... He has to live each day like it's his last one, right? He needs to take some risks, and live without regrets.

Gently, he takes the hand of Dandy's uninjured arm and kisses his knuckles. It was painfully chaste and tender, but despite that Jonathan doesn't meet Dandy's eyes when he ends the kiss.]

I... I will not ask you to do anything, especially not now, but I had to do that before...

[Well

Before they die, he supposed.]

[bootyhunter]

[Dandy allows Jonathan to take his hand and do whatever it is he plans on doing. The gestures is chaste, sure, but there's something surprisingly chaste and sweet about it.

It doesn't help that he did this too, to ease Dandy's own apprehensions about their courtship.

He has to make a joke. He has to interrupt the very thought of it-]

Cute.

It's a good thing ya didn't start suckin' on any fingers, straight up! There are kids in here, y'know?

[he means forrest but ssh don't tell forrest that!!!]

[hotpaprika]

[Jonathan's face turns a deep red as he lets go of Dandy's hands to hide his face.]

W-why would you say such things?! I would never do anything like that!

[If Dandy looks closely, he will see Jonathan smiling faintly behind his hands.]

[bootyhunter]

Never? Not even behind closed doors?

Well maybe you can just settle for imagining it, then.

[hotpaprika]

W-who would I even do that to behind closed doors?

[Never mind don't answer that.]

You are absolutely cruel Dandy, do you know that?

[There is absolute fondness in his voice.]

[bootyhunter]

I know! I'm a dirty rotten scoundrel.

But I'd say I wear it pretty well, baby.

[hotpaprika]

[He removes his hands just enough to give Dandy a look that is clearly supposed to be disappointed but god damn it he's too amused and fond of Dandy to be genuinely upset.]

I suppose I cannot accuse you of being humble.

[bootyhunter]

If I was humble, would I really make for a convincing heartthrob, old chapstick?

[He means "old chap."]

I flaunt what I've got. And what I've got is a whole lotta [nothing] Dandy, baby!

[hotpaprika]

Chapstick...?

[Ugh he can't believe he adores this man.]

Well, if you have a moment away from flaunting yourself, I was actually wondering... if you are feeling well tomorrow, perhaps we could do something together. Nothing romantic, but as friends. I would love to spend more time with you, after all.

[bootyhunter]

Sure.

'S not like I've got plans or anything.

[He means this genuinely.]