[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

[tenebrat]

[ eventually putting a cup in front of him, smiling a little. ] Chamomile is good to relax, yes? I think that will be best, for now.

[psychopompous]

Yes, thank you.

[tenebrat]

[ pleased, yay i remembered. getting a cup and a bit of sugar for itself and sitting down near him. ] ... I wanted to apologize, a bit.

[psychopompous]

. . . why?

[tenebrat]

I understand and recognize that my reactions were not at all helpful. It was not intentional, but thinking about it, I find it somewhat cruel to have necessitated your help so often when you were under so very much pressure, just from being in that place. [ a pause, staring at the cup thoughtfully before speaking again ] I do not-- mean to. It will be better in the future, or at least I will do my very best, but I do not-- have not been hurt. There is not much that is capable of causing me pain, in the first place, and the things that have are not... fond memories, of course? I am not entirely sure how much control I have, over this sort of thing, but I want to get better. I do not want to put you in a position where you must give so much of yourself you are in danger of dying because of my inability to keep myself under control, again.

[tenebrat]

Elluka said it to me before, and I think it is the same feeling for you, so... I also love you, and you are my family now, and I wish to return your actions any way I can.

[psychopompous]

[sits frozen for a few moments, then slowly relaxes, gaze dropping]

[psychopompous]

. . . thank you. I've—come to care about you a great deal as well.

I don't resent helping you, or the fact that you were in need. I think we all . . . have room to grow. I'd be happy to do so alongside of you.

[tenebrat]

... thank you. At least-- for the time being... allow me to take care of you? And Elluka and Kano. I can handle the house while you all get some rest.

[psychopompous]

I trust you to be able to.

[tenebrat]

[ ... !! ] Oh-- yes! I am quite able! Please don't worry, I will take care of everything today.

[psychopompous]

Thank you, Cys.

[tenebrat]

[ an expression like it's blushing, but. it can't blush. ] Of course. Anything.

[psychopompous]

[sighs a little. he is exhausted, and goes quiet after that, just drinking tea and maybe watching Cys work]

[tenebrat]

[ its a good blort. finishes its own tea and just... goes about cleaning things up. bringing tea and coffee to anyone else who wants it. topping off sariel's cup when he's getting low.

... taking inventory of the empty fridge with uncertainly... yeah ok.

basically just keeps itself busy and making sure everyone else is taking some time off. it's not that it doesn't seem a little tired itself, but-- cys doesn't sleep, it never has, so resting is wasted on it right now anyway. and it seems content to do this. ]

[psychopompous]

[partway through the night, Arias & co. apparently magically restock for us, so that's cool]

[tenebrat]

[ SHIT THATS GREAT time 2 make dinner plans ]

[psychopompous]

[Sariel gives some tired suggestions and commentary]

[tenebrat]

[ that is still technically resting so i will allow it ] Something-- comfortable, then? The other option seems kind of heavy, so maybe... Stew?

[psychopompous]

Yes, that should be easy enough and keep well.

[tenebrat]

We should have enough to have leftovers, even with all of us, if the servants are staying with Madison now... maybe. There is a lot of people, now, isn't there.

[psychopompous]

Mm. Is that alright with you?

[tenebrat]

I was going to ask you-- it is your house, after all. But I don't mind, of course? I have not spoken to Arthur, much, but Paracelsus seems kind. ... I think they are both very strong, and they seem to like Madison quite a bit.

[psychopompous]

I won't object if it's what Madison and Shuuya want.

[tenebrat]

I only hope you don't feel crowded. Of course, I will help you cook more often. It is good to learn more things, but it also isn't fair to make you spend so many hours working hard.