[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

[beleaving]

[Also very fondly watching all this.]

[boatsights]

[coming over to him afterwards, a little hesitant]

Oh, ah, thank you.

[beleaving]

[Bowing.] I hope we were of any assistance. It seemed to be rougher on some, than on others.

[boatsights]

[guilty . . .]

I know.

[beleaving]

Now, friend, what is that look for?

[boatsights]

Everyone went . . . because I asked, after all.

[beleaving]

They did. [He steps up and touches Madison's shoulder.] Now look. All of them, battered and tired and hard as it has been on them, they're all here. You sent them and they all came back. That's not always the case, but it was today. That in itself is worth celebration, my friend Seer. Madison, if I may?

[boatsights]

[stares up at him. though, actually, honestly, is Maddy the tallest in the group other than you?]

. . .

[and bursts into tears]

[beleaving]

[I mean you probably are.

Also like, blinking in surprise a moment and then, oh. You are a very young thing. Pulling him into a hug and patting his head. He is decent at this he has a little brother and also a younger crybaby friend and he's not a particularly repressed person himself.]

It's all right. The burden you bear is a shared one, isn't it? There are so many around eager to help you with it.

[boatsights]

[I'm gonna cry into your manly elf chest, sure]

Y-yes—but . . . but that just means I'm always afraid for them, too . . .

[beleaving]

[It's a very mainly chest enjoy having someone taller to cry on. Also like, he 100% sympathizes with "but I sent people I love off to maybe die and now I'm an emotional wreck" so.] I wish I had something wise and pithy with which to set your worries to rest, but that worry will never really lessen. All you can really do is greet your loved ones with all your heart on their return, every time. [which you seem to have down?]

[boatsights]

[a wobbly laugh and a good attempt at a smile, if a little wet]

. . . thank you.

[beleaving]

Any time, my friend.

How are you doing? A bit better?

[boatsights]

. . .


[abruptly hops back away from him like a cat that just noticed a sock that snuck up on it]

[!!]

[beleaving]

[HOW ARE YOU THIS CUTE?]

I'll take that as a yes! Tell me, how do you feel about hot cocoa?

[boatsights]

P-positive?

[beleaving]

Though I would have to impose on your kitchen, shall I make you some? A bit of sweetness to chase away the anxiety, and warmth to ease the tension.

[boatsights]

[laughing]

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