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

[howveryglib]

...

I... will not lie and say I am unaffected. But it is something one becomes accustomed to in my line of work. I suppose it is unusual to see so many young people die like this, but I have lost many people I have known for far longer stretches of time over the years. If I let it weigh on me, I would not be able to accomplish much of anything, so I simply attempt to move past and continue on.

[bootyhunter]

See, that's the thing...

I've usually got no trouble movin' on.

[Dandy's voice loses it's trademark boisterousness, making way for something more.

Well, let's just say cosmically doomed.]

Then again, I don't usually remember much of anything.

It all just gets... Lost to time? After a while? 'Specially if ain't danglin' right in front of me, like one big, juicy carrot, baby!

I...

This is different.

[This is so much worse.]

[howveryglib]

…

[okay he’s at least finished the session so he can put things down and devote his attention to Serious Conversation…!]

You did find someone for whom you clearly cared deeply here, and furthermore… I would imagine your profession allows you to avoid constant reminders of what you have lost. As you say, it is far easier to move on when you can simply leave things behind.

[bootyhunter]

Yeah.

[This is oddly helpful. Sorry Gaius, he didn't mean for the conversation to go the Therapy Route.]

And now I'm stuck.

[howveryglib]

[it’s cool. he’s doing his best.]

I do believe that so long as we at least make an attempt to correct the course, there is a chance we will be able to get out of here and leave all this behind. It is just a matter of holding together until then.

[bootyhunter]

[Gaius' words, surprisingly, are doing a lot for this typically happy-go-lucky spaceman. He utters a joke in response, although the punchline lacks his signature kooky enthusiasm.]

Holdin' together, huh? What if I just want somebody to be holdin' onto me, baby?

[He laughs to himself.

It's been hard as of late.]

I think I get what you're sayin'- Thanks.

You'll do your best to keep the others safe, right? That's what I'm gonna try to do. Don't know if I'm actually cut out for it, though!

But I've always been one dumb bastard, so. I'll find a way! I'll find my own.

You take care of yourself too, you hear me? Just 'cause you're an a geezer doesn't mean you're doin' good!

[howveryglib]

...If you can, I suppose you ought to consider it. I will, however, remind you of who required a trip to the clinic after the trial today and who did not.

[sure it's maybe a little condescending, but at the same time... y...eah...]

But yes, I certainly will take care of myself.

[bootyhunter]

[He's right. That dig cuts sharply, just a tad, because it's a reminder that Dandy isn't as strong as he'd like to be. He certainly wasn't strong enough to fulfill Yasuhiro's wish.

He never managed to save the poor fellow.]

Does that ever get any easier?

The "by yourself," part.

[howveryglib]

You end up somewhat numb to it eventually, if that counts.

[...it does to him!!!]

[bootyhunter]

[Dandy shoots Gaius a sensitive look, wondering if he should say the next bit.]

Don't think so, pal. But...

Thanks anyway.

[Not everyone has the luxury of leading a charmed Dandy life! Or multiple Dandy lives.

He's starting to realize that now- Just how lucky he is, or was.]

It's good that you still care, though. Even if it's only a teensy-weensy bit.

That means despite everything that's eaten away at what ya used to be, there's still some good left in there... After all this time.

[howveryglib]

…It would be far easier if I was able to simply stop caring, truly. But that simply is not an option, and I doubt I would want it to be.

[that is how you end up an even worse war criminal!!]

[bootyhunter]

I happen to think that it's worth all the hurt.

[At the very least, it was nice to love somebody and know that he himself could still be loved.

Even if that somebody was a big honkin' idiot.]

But what do I know? I'm no love doctor.

I'm just a regular ol' alien hunter.

[*a very bad one]

[howveryglib]

They do say that it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all, and I believe that is true regardless of the type of love being discussed.

…of course, I am no expert either. I have simply spent far too much time stumbling into things.

ran, once again... i am sorry

[bootyhunter]

...Was at least one of those things a boobie?

[howveryglib]

…

[long suffering sigh…]

That is irrelevant to this discussion.

[bootyhunter]

So… Yes?

It’s true.

[howveryglib]

…

It would not be classified as stumbling.

[bootyhunter]

Wouldja classify it as motorboatin', then?

[NOT HIM PROCEEDING TO MAKE THE MOUTH NOISE!!!!!!! I'M SORRY rAN THIS IS THE LAST-]

More or less?

[howveryglib]

...

[...would they even call it motorboating... actually they might in garlemald, perhaps... they've probably got motors on boats...]

I am not relating my sexual experiences to you.

[bootyhunter]

Why not? It hasn't been that long, has it?

Don't cheap out on me, old man.

[howveryglib]

No, I simply prefer to keep such things private.

…

Admittedly, it has been a bit difficult to fit in anything that is not quick and discreet due to various factors…

[like being extremely busy with conquest and being a dad.]

[bootyhunter]

So you're a one n' done sort of Daddio!

[STOP STOP STOP, THE REGRET I FEEL AFTER TYPING THAT BURNS]

Well, that tells me juuuuust about all I need to know, baby.

For my files!

[as(s) if he's the type to keep track of anything...]

My sexytime files.

They're great for blackmail.

[howveryglib]

[flatly,]

Yes. Blackmail. About consenting adults engaging in relations. How utterly scandalous of me.