We're Still Here, We Still Have Each Other

[induality]

[It takes Fukawa some time to pull herself together but when she does-- she moves with a purpose. Everyone will find a note in practiced writing:]

Though all we've be through today was awful, and you might not want to face it-- you're not facing it alone. There will be food and drink in the VIP Lounge. And company. Whatever your feelings are now, it's okay. I won't tell you want to think or how to feel. But you don't have to carry it alone.

- Touko Lucis Caelum

[True to her word, she worked hard to make snacks and light warm foods for everyone as well as drinks-- alcoholic and otherwise. Everyone is welcome. She even stops by the information desk to extend an invitation to SIS.]

Comments

[induality]

[Fukawa is here. She's bouncing around-- trying to check on everyone. When she's not, when she stops... her hand goes to her necklace and she fidgets with it anxiously.

Later when she feels like everything's as good as it probably can be she takes up a space at the bar and actually has some drinks.

...no dad to stop her from overindulging this time.]

[daughterofthemark]

[No, but there's an Arianna to stop her!

...or... just sit next to her and pour a glass of wine, I guess that works too.]

[induality]

[Oh hey. Wine refill. That's... great.]

Thanks. [...] ...for... a lot of things, actually.

[daughterofthemark]

[Well I mean, she's pouring one for herself, too, so...]

...I'm glad I was able to do something worth being thanked for.

[induality]

[Glad she was able to do something worth being thanked for. She's still talking like that, huh...

Fukawa downs her glass in a rush and-- when Arianna's finished pouring her own glass and putting the bottle down, she turns in her chair towards Arianna.

She grabs the glass from in front of her, downs that too.




And she grabs her by the shoulders and kisses her.]

[daughterofthemark]

[The funny thing is, she actually meant that in a positive way. Like "even though today sucked we managed a small victory."

But anything she might have said about that, or about Fukawa stealing her drink, is lost forever because sudden kiss! She freezes for a few seconds, unsure how to respond.

Then she puts both arms around Fukawa and presses back with her lips.]

[induality]

[Even with the measures she took against it she's still more than prepared to accept rejection.

But today reminded her of every missed opportunity. Every person she wanted to hold close but was too scared to.

If she or anyone else she loves could die at any time then... she doesn't want to have any more regrets than she does now.]

...I-I'm not going to say I'm sorry. I'm... selfish and I don't want to be alone anymore.

[daughterofthemark]

You'd best not apologize. Not for that.

[induality]

I just... wasn't sure what you'd think. I'm-- I write about other people's loves. Fantasies. Not... mine. this kind of thing was never something I thought I'd even have a chance at...

[daughterofthemark]

Touko... a wonderful woman should never have been made to feel that--[Arianna cuts herself off abruptly.]

We truly are alike.

[motherfucking_ghost]

[Hey daughter. Time for a hug. This is a big mama bear hug.]

[induality]

[She's really glad he's here. Nothing heals the hurt better than a mama bear hug.]

[motherfucking_ghost]

You doing some drinking the pain away, Fuku? [As he props his chin on top of her head.]

[induality]

I guess a little. It's hard, feeling so much all the time. Sometimes I just want to step back a little and... stop.

[motherfucking_ghost]

I find that's pretty fucking normal. You can't really stop feeling it, but if you can find a way to step back, I'd take it.

That's not me suggesting drink into a stupor, I just mean, finding something to smile about or share a joke or do some art or anything.

[induality]

I survived the absolute worst birthday of my life in this place. [...] I'll be okay. I promise I won't go too far.

Tomorrow I know I'm going to have to stand back up and face what comes next. But for a little while... I don't want to have to think about being strong or... what they're planning next... having to save everyone...

Just... be human, I guess.

[motherfucking_ghost]

You're always gonna be human. That's the best part about it. Even if you do have to focus on being strong or helping the rest of us save each other, you do it while being human. And that's amazing.

All you guys are amazing. [There is no wibble in his voice, you are imagining things.]