What I want to hear on nights I can't sleep is your voice

[philoxenia]

[ ... Well, that was an absolute shitshow, wasn't it? Instead of dwelling on how she feels about everything that just happened, Mira's channeling that energy into something else--and she has a little bit of help doing it. Zerinda and Ema are here in the bar to make drinks, and Mira's brought in a ton of food that's definitely not healthy for anyone, but screw it, who cares about health right now?

Della's here to pass out invitations, too--they let everyone know there's a gathering in the bar, if they'd rather not be alone.

If you choose not to come, well... Mira's got that taken care of, too. She'll place a little container of cookies and hot cocoa outside your door. Maybe it'll help someone feel a little less alone--at least, that's what she's hoping. ]

Comments

[bolderfell]

...I'm fine.

[He's not that much more quiet and cagey than usual. A smidgen subdued, maybe.]

Seemed like it got to the rest of you far worse. How are you doing?

[nothingcanstop]

...Eh.

[ Her plucky attitude fades, for just a moment. ]

It was all a bit... But, you know. I bounce back. I'm bouncy.

[bolderfell]

[Hmmm. Assessing.]

You are that. Never giving up and all.

[nothingcanstop]

Exactly! Exactly, that's just how it goes. [ ... ] I'll be fine, just give me a day.

[bolderfell]

You'll probably get two.

[He studies her a moment longer, then shakes his head.]

Don't push yourself. We're not likely to learn anything else today. [Not about the facility, and probably--hopefully--not about one another, either.] Bet we've got another door opening. That's when you'll need your strength.

[nothingcanstop]

...You know, I came to look in on you. And yet, here we are...

[bolderfell]

I... really don't understand why you felt the need to.

[He took no part whatsoever in Rhea's meltdown, and only had a couple token shots at Zelos. He is 100% certified emotionally fine. Zelos even confirmed his core beliefs! What a pal.]

[nothingcanstop]

...Because we watched someone die today. And... Because I care about you.

[bolderfell]

[Whoa, okay, that of all things is what gets him to flinch for the first time all day.]

You--what? No.

[nothingcanstop]

I do. I know you probably see this...more, in your line of work, but I was worried, and just wanted to make sure you didn't need anything, or anyone to talk to.

[bolderfell]

[While she says her piece, Therion's eyes dart quickly toward the exit, back to her, and then away. He reaches for a scarf he isn't wearing, pulls at the lapel of his jacket instead. He is not comfortable having this conversation. The silence where his answer should go stretches before he shakes his head sharply and turns his back, taking a few paces away before finding some equilibrium again.]

Zelos was right.

[He mutters that mostly to himself, then speaks up for Della without facing her.]

I don't... I'm fine. You're right, I'm no stranger to death and betrayal, so it's a waste to worry about me.

[nothingcanstop]

[ He's disoriented. He's uncomfortable. And for a moment, Della can't understand why. But then-- ]

...Therion, Zelos was not right. [ It's soft. But serious. ] You don't have to be alone.

[bolderfell]

Yes, I do.

[He doesn't mean to snap, and he regrets it immediately. He lowers his head a second, and only manages to look at her over his shoulder.]

Maybe you haven't given up on it yet. But there are lessons someone like me can only afford to learn once.

[nothingcanstop]

Lessons that... What are you- [ The trial context snaps back into her brain. ] Therion, you can trust me! This isn't- I'm not going to stab you in the back, I want all of us to get out of here!

[bolderfell]

I--

['I know.' He stops himself before he can say it. That's always the problem, isn't it? He doesn't know. He can't ever know.

Therion shuts his eyes and forces himself to take a measured breath.]

...Even so. Alice didn't want to hurt anyone. That night, she made us things--made each of them special, thinking of the person she'd give them to. What they'd like.

['Cozy, like your scarf.'

He doesn't even know what it is. How to wear it. It's rolled up in the inner pocket of his jacket, and his collar remains unbuttoned and bare.]

She still tried to kill the rest of us to survive. I can't... I won't be taken for a fool. Not down here. Not again.

[nothingcanstop]

[ Thinking of Alice... It's like a punch to the gut. An ache in her heart that hasn't lessened with the passing week. It's a clear moment of pain. But, despite that, she pushes through. ]

Therion... [ Her hand curls into a fist, but. She lets it go. And takes a step closer to him. ] Even so. Not everyone will do that to you. It... There'll always be people who...hurt, and take advantage. Whether they mean to or not.

[ Lunaris' mocking smile, in her mind's eye. But... ]

But if you never put yourself out there, you may never meet friends...allies, who can help you. Who can maybe even save your life. I know it's scary...but being alone isn't the only option.

[bolderfell]

[Della takes one step forward. Therion skitters three steps back from her, shifting sideways, presenting a narrower target and fewer vulnerabilities.]

No.

[No trial, no motive, has exposed the small, cornered beast of him like this. He takes another step back.]

I'm not your movie thief, Della. [Breathe.] In real life, carpets aren't magic. Nothing will break your fall.

[With that, he darts past her and makes his escape.

Evasion is, after all, his highest stat.]

[nothingcanstop]

Therion, wait...!

[ But, it's his specialty skill. He's already gone. Before she can even formulate what to say. It's true--but, it isn't, necessary, is it? The world is full of magic, full of wonder...and people that will reach out. Maybe it won't go well every time. But it still can. Does Therion know that? Has he...ever experienced something like that? Or, has betrayal...?

For a moment, Della is disheartened. But it only lasts a moment. She is only more determined. ]