Emergency Meeting

[induality]

[They were finally let out of the court room but things were far from great. Instead of a gathering to mourn the dead-- what they really needed right now was a proper gathering to meet and discuss what happened. As soon as they got out, she yelled for everyone to meet in the food court. She hurried immediately to start some tea and coffee and prepare what she could. All of them probably needed a moment.]

Sorry to drag you all here after... all that. But... again... it's b-better if we stay together right now. And I think... an emergency meeting i-is in order.

If you want anything to eat I can... t-try. But in the meantime I started some tea and c-coffee... so... As long as we're together try-- to relax. We're... g-going to get through this.

Comments

[shikosuki]

[ Did you know that the "Choro" in Choromatsu is a play on both the word "choroi" (simple) and the onomatopoeia "chorochoro" (darting around rapidly, like a small animal)? Did you also know that ever since childhood Choromatsu has lived up to that part of his name in both regards, but especially the latter? Which is to say Choromatsu isn't here because he fucking booked it and is now cowering somewhere that isn't the food court. He's dealt with a lot of shit before, including creatures like tanuki and a literal shinigami in his childhood (and... whatever you wanna call Dayon). But vampires? Nuh uh. And that was a whole lot of hecky! So he is hiding in a Moonglow dressing room, scared shitless. So much for trying to be useful. ]

[burninglight]

[It was a little while before Ardyn came looking for Choromatsu; after Xander's message. Plus it took him a little while to find where the little greenbean'd run off to, and once most other avenues were exhausted-]

Choromatsu? [Knock knock.] It's dead--we're safe for now.

[shikosuki]

[ He jumps and shrieks at the knock, but then... ] ...Dead? Y-You're sure?

[burninglight]

Relax, it's only me. I got a message from Xander, and I think he'd have as much to lose as anyone if he just made that up.

[shikosuki]

[ He pushes the door open a crack ]

H-He's not turned too, i-is he...?

[burninglight]

I don't think so. And if he is, I'll put him down myself, Rule Six or not.

[shikosuki]

[ .......

After a thoughtful pause he pushes the door open...

...but then plops back down on his butt, chin hidden by his knees. ]

O-Okay... good.

[burninglight]

[Ardyn tilted his head at the sight at first, before hesitantly lowering himself to sit on the floor opposite Choromatsu.]

Mind if I linger just a bit? It's much quieter here.

[shikosuki]

[ ...... ]

...Sure. Go right ahead.

[burninglight]

I appreciate it.

[Ardyn managed a faint smile, folding his arms.]

...I'm glad that you're safe.

[shikosuki]

...I’m glad I am too. I’m glad we’re all safe...

...I’ve dealt with some scary stuff but that... was pretty scary.

[burninglight]

I have to admit, that was...difficult, by even my standards. I'd not be shocked if everyone else was shaken for some time yet.

[shikosuki]

Y-Yeah...

[ He looks down at his knees again ]

...I’m still kind of grateful though. Which feels shitty...

[burninglight]

...about your brothers, you mean?

Hey that icon is rude

[shikosuki]

[ He nods ]

Yeah...

what about this is not rude

[burninglight]

...it makes sense. I'm sure some of the others are likely to feel the same.

fair

[shikosuki]

[ he nods again ] Mm...

[ another pause ]

...You said during the trial... that you have a twin, too?

[induality]

[Fukawa did a head count at some point. Mostly out of paranoia. But that's why she knows he's missing. She doubts she can do much but she'll go looking for him. Not like she has much to offer, but-- she brings some tea.]

...Ch-Choromatsu-kun...?

[shikosuki]

[ A pause, then ]

T...Touko-chan...?

[induality]

Y-yeah. It's just me.

[shikosuki]

[ ...he gets up onto his knees, crawls over and carefully pushes the door open so she can in if she wants. ]

[induality]

[...it's open! After a moment, she steps in.]

Here. I brought you some tea.

[shikosuki]

[ Oh... another instance of a nice girl bringing him tea after he hid away post trial...

He wipes his eyes quickly before he can tear up too much and takes the tea, forcing a shaky smile. ]

Thank you, Touko-chan... that’s really kind of you...

[induality]

...it's okay. You don't have to smile if you don't feel like it. I've... b-been here too many times. I get it.

[She of all people won't think any less of him.]

I just... don't want to see a-anyone have to do what I did and f-face it alone.

[shikosuki]

[ The smile falls ]

I... thank you. I appreciate it...