[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]

Why don't you talk to me about it . . .?

[voice soft]

[liarliarliar]

I don't...

I'm trying so hard. To be brave. And support. And.

And I can't.

Can't do enough.

[boatsights]

. . . Shuuya. You do so much. I—I don't know why you have such unreasonably high expectations of yourself. Why do you think you're not enough?

[liarliarliar]

I can't lose everyone AGAIN.

[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.

[liarliarliar]

You switched to we...

[takes a deep breath as he calms]

Right. Things are. Big.

[bigger than me]

[boatsights]

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

[liarliarliar]

I'm sorry.

[starts pulling away, but reaching up to take the hands cradling his face in his own. Handholding~]

Yeah a lot is...

[I'll do better... I'll be stronger...

No, that's not. Something he can promise. Or something Madison wants to hear. What does...]

What do I need to do.

[boatsights]

[threads their fingers together]

. . . I don't have all the right answers, either. I don't think you're doing anything wrong. I don't need you to do anything for me. You . . . you love me more than I ever thought possible.

[liarliarliar]

You always tell me how good I am while forgetting how good you are. You're kind of hard to not love.

[quick chaste kiss on the lips]

Anyone could fall this in love with you. I'm just the lucky person you fell for.

[boatsights]

And you're the only one for me. You know that, right?

[liarliarliar]

Most of me knows that and can tell the wrong part of my mind to shut up.

Maybe those pretty boys are onto something with the whole Master thing though.

[boatsights]

W-what?

[liarliarliar]

[laughs and hugs hard again]

Too much?

[boatsights]

E-explain . . .!!

[liarliarliar]

I was teasing you because I'm lewd and mean.

[has devolved into a giggling cuddle monster, snugging himself against Madison and freeing a hand to tug lightly at Madison's hair]

I think that's too high level for us! I just wanted you to blush or laugh at me!

[boatsights]

Ohhhh. That's a little high level . . .!

[a sharp hiccuping laugh]

[liarliarliar]

...I like it better when we're playing and laughing. Even if it can't always be like this.

[boatsights]

It can be like this . . . a lot.

[liarliarliar]

A lot. But not always.

Ah, I do want to be happy though. I'm not...

[wipes at his eyes again]

If I could change it, I would. It's not on purpose.

[boatsights]

Change what?

[liarliarliar]

[how fragile I am bb

kind of just. vague gestures. at. himself.]

[boatsights]

Why would I want you to change?

[liarliarliar]

So you could be a little less damp right now.

[huff]

I hate crying.

[boatsights]

[smooths Kano's hair down]

I know.