[Game 21] Epilogue

[arsgoetia]

So, you get your Philly cheesesteak, and you head back on another train, returning to New York at fuck o'clock in the morning. Maybe you get a nap on the train, or maybe you're full of yawns and misery as you head back to Sariel's house at the crack of dawn. Paz went on her merry way with wonderful promises for the future, but Hale is with you, seeming remarkably energetic.

Madison is just barely held back by Kieran, it seems, from just sprinting out the door as soon as you get anywhere near the yard. As it stands, as soon as you all make your way past the gate, there's a redhead barreling down to greet you.

Comments

[liarliarliar]

It looks more right on you. And Sariel.

Scarves look good on heroes.

[doesn't move away from her quite yet]

And siblings.

[tenebrat]

... sorry.

I'll leave you be? If you want?

[innerdemon]

Must be why it looks like a perfect fit on you.

[boatsights]

. . .

[strokes his cheeks with his thumbs]

We know. And we don't want to lose you, either.

But there's a lot at stake.

[boatsights]

[laughing]

I'm okay . . . everyone's really trying to spoil me.

[boatsights]

We are. But they're very, very afraid.

[boatsights]

If you stayed—that would be nice, too . . .

[boatsights]

Someone has to!

[innerdemon]

Oh. I meant your intentions, so never mind.

[psychopompous]

[. . . leans in and just. bonks his forehead against Luka's]

[boatsights]

If you stay—

[innerdemon]

[...touches two fingertips to the rim of one ear. Hello.]

[boatsights]

[gives her a smile]

Oh . . . pretty good, it seems like.

[liarliarliar]

[laughs a little, breaking away]

My sister Ayano. She wore a scarf. And she had me pretend to be her sometimes, to help out with her secret mission.

Sometimes when people say things like I'm brave or strong...

[takes the end of the scarf in his hand, staring down at it]

I wonder if I'm still just playacting as neechan. Or if all that pretending somehow made it true.

[tenebrat]

... I thought so. I wish they wouldn't be so, and trust us.

[psychopompous]

[makes a little . . . encouraging sound]

[innerdemon]

I don't know what I want, sweetheart. [hugs them]

[boatsights]

It's not about trust. I wish it could be better for them, too, but they're just—very hurt. The kind that doesn't ever really heal. So all we can do is be ourselves and let them know that we're here for them. Even if we have to do it again and again.

[liarliarliar]

You switched to we...

[takes a deep breath as he calms]

Right. Things are. Big.

[bigger than me]

[tenebrat]

[ oh. Yes. Hugging her tight ]

I could not say it before, so I'm sorry, but I also love you.

[boatsights]

I was speaking for Sariel a little. But, yes, all angels involved.

[innerdemon]

[swallows hard] I know the feeling.

[puts her face in his neck, muffled] Sometimes we learn feelings and actions and all that stuff by practising them. Right? And pretending is just a type of practice.

[boatsights]

. . .

Thank you.

[turnonmycharm]

Don't worry too much about deserving. Being wanted is the important thing.

[boatsights]

At least a little.