[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

[innerdemon]

I don't... go anywhere...

[psychopompous]

You know what I meant.

[innerdemon]

Okay?

[psychopompous]

. . .

[drags a hand down over his own face]

You are so . . . hard to . . . understand.

[innerdemon]

...Yes?

I mean, you don't ask...?

[psychopompous]

I don't know what to ask.

[innerdemon]

Oh. That's fair.

[psychopompous]

[just sighs, closing his eyes and turning his face away]

I want to be close to both of you.

That's all.

[innerdemon]

[it's Elli speaking this time]

...We'd like that too. If it's okay.

[psychopompous]

[he seems genuinely startled by the lack of rejection]

Yes. I mean—yes?

[innerdemon]

Though I'm not sure how you mean it...?

[psychopompous]

. . .

[blinks]

[innerdemon]

Like... there are...different ways to be close...

[psychopompous]

Well there are—different ways to express it.

[innerdemon]

Yes I just don't want to hold your hand and you to be like, "Elli, I meant I want you to continue to stay in this house" or something.

I mean—I just wanted to clarify?

[psychopompous]

If you want to hold my hand, you can.

[seems a little strangled]

[innerdemon]

We can?

[psychopompous]

I just said yes!!

[innerdemon]

[was clarifying the 'we' but]

[takes his hand, squeezing it]

[psychopompous]

[the pigeon is . . . not always bright]

. . .

[he flops down next to her, squeezing her hand tightly, and gives her a peck on the forehead]

Elli . . .

[innerdemon]

[goes very red]

Um. Yes?

[psychopompous]

. . .

[grins]

[innerdemon]

What??

[psychopompous]

You seem to be feeling better. I'm happy.

[innerdemon]

You helped. Thank you.

...

[leans up and kisses his cheek]