[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

[boatsights]

[seizes his hands and squeezes]

Oh, Sariel. Sariel . . .

[psychopompous]

[starts to blink rapidly, leaning away from Madison at the same time that he's squeezing his hands]

I—

[boatsights]

[stares at him for a long moment, then gathers him into his arms]

[psychopompous]

[oh]

[. . . his shoulders sag. his whole body sort of gives in as he leans forward against him, shaking]

[boatsights]

Everything is alright, Sariel. It's alright. It's alright.

[psychopompous]

Do you mean that?

[muffled into Madison's shoulder]

[boatsights]

You know I do. I'm sorry . . . for sending you into that.

[psychopompous]

[draws back abruptly, tone suddenly sharp]

Did you know?

[boatsights]

[taken aback at first, then holding his ground]

I knew some things. But your actions are your own.

[psychopompous]

[shuddering, clenching his teeth, then slowly relaxing]

[boatsights]

. . . I'll understand if you're angry with me.

[psychopompous]

. . . I'm not. You're in a difficult position and you're doing your best.

And you're right. I did—follow my own will.

[KIND OF LOOKS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE ABOUT THIS PART]

[boatsights]

It's okay. You know that, right? You've come to understand that it's . . . okay.

[a hand on his chest, over his heart]

[psychopompous]

. . . it is a frightening line to walk.

[boatsights]

Not even I know all the answers, Sariel. But I won't believe that you will be punished for your goodness. Or for being who you are, in this case.

[psychopompous]

It makes the rules much less clear.

[boatsights]

Well, Raphael and I are doing okay . . .

[psychopompous]

. . .

[has an expression like IS HE REALLY]

[but does just. sigh, accepting]

[boatsights]

[grins a little, smoothing Sariel's hair back]

We love you. And we . . . appreciate you. I'm grateful to have you by my side in this fight. And as my family.

[psychopompous]

[fffffluff. even with no wings out. basically the impression of fluff]

I—. . . I am loyal to—

. . . love. You. Too . . .

[boatsights]

[a muffled little laugh, just hugging Sariel again]

[psychopompous]

[just dying a little here but that's fine. at least I'm no longer in a sea of existential dread]

[boatsights]

[after a long few moments, murmuring]

You should . . . probably go talk to Elluka. And Shuuya, later. Cys too . . . lots of people are worried about you.

[psychopompous]

Ah. Mm . . .