phantasmatrappings-blog

[phantasmatrappings-blog]

RUTH: -Ruth has presently found herself standing in a hallway in the resistance base, staring at a closet doorway with some intensity.- DAD: *Then maybe it was a good idea for James to emerge from the ship after all. He crosses paths with the small seer woman as he takes a stroll, stopping in his tracks as he spots her. His addressment of her happens very abruptly.* HELLO MISS LALONDE. RUTH: -She takes several seconds to turn toward him, and then several more to realize this seems to be happening in the present, based on the lack of forward motion in the conversation.- James. DAD: *tips his hat to her, disregarding the strange pauses in her movements.* IT HAS BEEN SOME TIME SINCE WE HAVE CROSSED PATHS. BUT I DID NOT DOUBT IT WOULD BE OUR LAST. *offers a hand out for her to shake* HOW DO YOU FAIR? RUTH: As much as usual, I imagine. -she hesitates again before reaching for his hand, taking it gently. Yes, this seems real enough.- RUTH: I am not the best at keeping track of my present state. DAD: THAT IS NO ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND YOUR EXPERIENCES ARE OVERWHELMING EVEN AT THE BEST OF TIMES. *He's always been curious, honestly. But not enough to be so rude as to ask about details.* RUTH: How are things going? RUTH: On the ship. DAD: AS EXPECTED. DAD: IT HAS NOT BEEN WITHOUT TURBULENCE. *looks away* OR LOSS. RUTH: ... Right. RUTH: Sometimes I forget these things are new to everyone else. RUTH: I'm sure it was difficult. DAD: *He knows she doesn't mean to sound so removed from the gravity of the situation. Logically, anyway.* IT HAS BEEN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT. DAD: BUT WE MANAGE NEVERTHELESS. *stern* RUTH: That is all I can hope for. RUTH: But I cannot help but notice that did not sound especially personal an answer. DAD: I DO NOT FOLLOW. RUTH: I cannot shake the feeling that the Unbreakable Union is collecting an entire group of people that is all too good at selflessness. RUTH: But then, I suppose that's why I'm rooting for you. RUTH: How are /you/ doing, James? DAD: *This was one tricky dame.* PREFORMING TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITIES. AS ANYONE IN MY POSITION WOULD. *That's an answer, right?* RUTH: Fair enough. I suppose I'll let it slide. RUTH: If only because interrogating one in a hallway does not count as appropriate host behavior. DAD: *nods, decidedly agreeing with her. He would know all about being a good host and having manners and such.* RUTH: I realize this may ultimately come across as redundant, RUTH: But is there anything you'd like to talk about? DAD: YES. ROXANNE. DAD: SHE IS DOING VERY WELL. RUTH: ... You think so too? DAD: AFFIRMATIVE. WE RECENTLY CELEBRATED ROXY'S MARRIAGE TO CAPTAIN AMPORA. *Which James is sure she knows all about already.* SHE WAS BESIDE HERSELF WITH PRIDE AND HAPPINESS. RUTH: -Oh, right. She forgot that was a recent thing, too.- I'm glad. RUTH: She deserves more than some of that. RUTH: We, also... RUTH: May have talked. DAD: MAY. DAD: *As opposed to maybe not.* RUTH: I am pretty sure it happened. RUTH: What I can remember went well, bumbling as it may have been. DAD: THEN I AM FAIRLY SURE SHE MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME. DAD: I AM GLAD TO HEAR OF IT. RUTH: -she sighs a long, tight breath.- Me, too. RUTH: Russet is also incredibly adorable. DAD: *he pauses, also relaxing. He hadn't realized how tense he was becoming.* THAT SHE IS. DAD: SHE HAS BEEN LEARNING HER ALPHABET. RUTH: And her numbers. RUTH: She can count to thirty-seven. RUTH: -she's really glad she can remember that.- DAD: SHE IS LEARNING AT A PHENOMINAL RATE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT I PERSONALLY WOULD HAVE DONE IF THE SAME HAD APPLIED TO JOHN OR JANE. RUTH: I can only imagine the most appropriate course of action for any respectable father. RUTH: That's you, by the way. DAD: THANK YOU. DAD: RESPECTABLE FATHER IS A TITLE A MAN COULD HOPE TO STRIVE FOR WHEN HE COMMITS HIMSELF TO THE ENDEAVOR. RUTH: Okay, when you put it like that, the compliment sounds much more underwhelming than I intended. RUTH: You'll have to forgive me. My experience with such things as "good parenting" and "respectable fatherhood" are pretty much in the negatives. RUTH: But I... definitely admire you. RUTH: -looks around awkwardly- I'm sorry, it has been an unusually emotional set of days for me. DAD: ...YOU SEEM- *he stops there, collecting himself and nodding.* I UNDERSTAND. RUTH: ...Things are going to go back to being difficult soon. In some predictable, and some unpredictable ways. DAD: WE CAN ONLY PREPARE OURSELVES TO MEET HOWEVER THESE EVENTS MANIFEST. DAD: YOUR INSIGHT, ALTHOUGH INCREDIBLY HELPFUL, IS NOT WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE DEFINITIVE MAP OF THINGS TO COME. DAD: I WOULD PREFER NOT TO RELY ON IT. AS I HAVE, UP UNTIL RECENTLY. RUTH: No, you're right enough. RUTH: It wasn't ever my place to have an active hand in shaping things. RUTH: My limitations are many. RUTH: I think it's too late now for me to envy that sort of willpower. RUTH: But whatever you feel to be best, I think that is what you should do. DAD: I ONLY WISH THERE WERE SOMETHING I COULD DO FOR YOU. RUTH: -that surprises her a little, even when things shouldn't.- You're doing plenty for me. If only in an indirect sense. RUTH: But I appreciate the sentiment. RUTH: If you really wanted to do me a favor, even though you were going to do this anyway, I would only ask you to keep an eye on Roxanne for me. DAD: *tilts his head, rather curious. But then nods, stern as a brick.* SHE AND RUSSET WILL BE KEPT SAFE. DAD: IF I AM TO HAVE ANY SAY IN IT. RUTH: Thanks. DAD: *She just seems so sad to James. Distant. His impulse is to reach out and gently set a hand on her shoulder.* RUTH: -She doesn't move, and she takes a breath. Mostly, she understands why. Even if she can't see intentions, she can see actions clearly enough to know him. She just isn't sure how to return the sentiment, though her brows knit slightly.- RUTH: You're a good friend, too, James. DAD: I CAN ONLY CONTINUE DOING SO. DAD: AND ASK WITH THE UTMOST SINCERITY. DAD: WOULD YOU CARE FOR SOME CAKE? RUTH: ... That. RUTH: Is an incredibly tempting and timely offer. RUTH: I would actually love some cake. DAD: *smiles at that and then offers his arm out to her.* I AM WILLING TO PROVIDE AN ESCORT TO THE COMMON ROOM. RUTH: I, too, am willing to accept. -this is almost silly but nice. she likes that mixture of things, and it isn't so difficult to accept his arm and use it as another anchor to the present. Sometimes, like today, it is just a little easier to be herself. After yesterday, she has a feeling she knows why.-

[phantasmatrappings-blog]

RUTH: -She's on the move, certain she will end up running into Davenforth again eventually. She's already predicted that much.- UNCLE BRO: -He had thought that a trip to gym would help. Really all he'd succeeded in doing was finally breaking down after destroying a punching bag. After finally getting himself together, he decided heading back to his room for a shower was best. Of course he ran into her again, she probably planned it.- UNCLE BRO: Stalkin me now RUTH: It's not entirely necessary. RUTH: But you could say that, yes. RUTH: You are not feeling much better. UNCLE BRO: Im fuckin peachy RUTH: -blank stare- UNCLE BRO: -Stoic gaze- RUTH: Let's keep going. UNCLE BRO: Alright RUTH: -turns to keep walking to his room- UNCLE BRO: -Starts the journey anew- UNCLE BRO: Why are you here ruth RUTH: I think you know the answer to that question. RUTH: Fate, and relevance, etcetera. RUTH: But I am proud to say that, despite all that, RUTH: I mostly wanted to be with you. UNCLE BRO: Shit UNCLE BRO: Im honored RUTH: Now, there's no need for all that. UNCLE BRO: My bad UNCLE BRO: It's been a rough month -They're finally at his room. Wearily he punches in the code and the door opens, exposing her to his dimly lit abode- RUTH: -she slides in, lowering herself to sit on his bed- RUTH: Would you believe me if I told you things should be okay? UNCLE BRO: -He flops dejectedly into his plush computer chair. Ruth will not be surprised that he decided he needed the finest of everything in his room. His crow lusus squawks and jumps from a shelf onto his shoulder, nipping at his ear- UNCLE BRO: Im broke my fame is dead my home is destroyed and the love of my life is dead UNCLE BRO: Nah ruth i totally believe you RUTH: I know this is some pretty shitty consolation. RUTH: But I should also tell you that approximately half of those things aren't true. RUTH: And will stay that way for, at least, a while. UNCLE BRO: Youre right ill eventually get the money back UNCLE BRO: -Eventually he fishes out a bag of beef jerky and feeds a bit to Pip. He crows happily- RUTH: I am afraid you're misunderstanding. RUTH: She isn't dead. UNCLE BRO: -He just sits there- UNCLE BRO: Dont fuck with me UNCLE BRO: I mean i know youre not fucking with me but on the off chance that today was the day you decided to please rethink that motherfucking thought RUTH: You are very aware that I'm not. RUTH: But there's also a chance that she may not stay that way. RUTH: And that you also might get a chance to change that. RUTH: I know this is going to make things complicated for you to hear, but I also know that things would be worse if I didn't tell you now. UNCLE BRO: I dont care i need to save her RUTH: Yes, I know. RUTH: And I think that you can. RUTH: But I want you to trust me. UNCLE BRO: The only time i start to doubt my trust in you is when you ask me not to RUTH: You'll get a chance. Soon. RUTH: I'm planning to issue another expedition. RUTH: You and Rajani should go while everyone else is busy. UNCLE BRO: What why rajani RUTH: I think you also know the answer to that. UNCLE BRO: How can i be sure this isnt some bullshit field trip after school special shindig where were supposed to find out were not so different RUTH: Because I don't see that being especially useful in the long run. RUTH: And also, because that's objectively dumb. UNCLE BRO: Thank fuck UNCLE BRO: Does she really have to tag along i can handle this myself RUTH: I would consider the situation we are discussing very long and hard before questioning my advice on the matter. RUTH: Also, let's be real. RUTH: You are occasionally kind of a mess. RUTH: I say in the most endeared conceivable way. RUTH: But mostly because, right now, I think you should probably hear it. RUTH: Whether you like it or not. UNCLE BRO: Im fine ruth -Pip cackles- UNCLE BRO: Shut it bird RUTH: Dave. RUTH: I appreciate your resolve to continue pretending that you are Adonis, Greek god of naked torsos and marble unfeeling, RUTH: But considering the circumstances, I think that now it is just kind of silly. UNCLE BRO: Alright now youre gettin back into the asshole i think i know everything mystic schtick again wheres the crystal ball at RUTH: This isn't even mystic. It's just common sense. RUTH: This situation is pretty horrifyingly shitty. UNCLE BRO: Surprisingly diarrhetical UNCLE BRO: So where is she RUTH: In Alternia's custody. RUTH: Unsurprisingly, I'm sure. RUTH: I can give you a more detailed synopsis later. RUTH: One with, say, actually useful details. UNCLE BRO: Oh thank god i thought we were gonna have to do charades instead RUTH: It's never too late to start. RUTH: In fact, in my mind, we are already doing them. RUTH: You are truly missing out. UNCLE BRO: How bad are you losing RUTH: Frankly, I'm offended you're already counting me out. RUTH: I will have you know I am excellent at interpreting vague attempts at real human gestures from socially stunted man children. RUTH: I have been practicing and re-practicing for many hypothetical years. UNCLE BRO: Yet youre still just alright at it RUTH: -she stands up- RUTH: Dave. RUTH: I'm afraid I cannot allow you to leave this room. RUTH: Without truly besting me at charades. RUTH: -moves toward him- UNCLE BRO: What are you doing RUTH: -gets close. extends her arms- UNCLE BRO: What the fuck RUTH: -starts encircling him with the Cage of Personal Suffering.- UNCLE BRO: What the actual shit blistering fuck RUTH: -You're getting hugged, friend. That's what the fuck is up.- RUTH: -She daintily lowers herself into his lap while she's at it because hovering hugs are not super comfortable.- RUTH: You know how to escape this. UNCLE BRO: -This is a predicament he rarely finds himself in and honestly he's mortified- RUTH: -The hugging. It's still happening.- UNCLE BRO: -Starts beat boxing- RUTH: I'm pretty sure that's breaking at least three rules of charades. UNCLE BRO: In west philadelphia born and raised on the playground is where i spent most of my days chillin out maxin relaxin all cool and shootin some b ball outside the school when a couple of guys who were up to no good started makin trouble in my neighborhood i got in one little fight and my mom got scared she said youre movin with your aunt and your uncle in bel air UNCLE BRO: -Your Dave has blue screened- RUTH: This is. RUTH: Definitely. RUTH: Not charades related. UNCLE BRO: -He goes silent- RUTH: -leans against him a little more- UNCLE BRO: Your hands are cold RUTH: My posterior is not. RUTH: Thanks for that. UNCLE BRO: Yeah any time UNCLE BRO: Youre still huggin me RUTH: I'm not stopping until you return this warm, awkward grapple. RUTH: Then we can part ways and move on as if this never happened, successfully burying our feelings for another four decades. RUTH: Also, I am frankly feeling pretty exhausted after focusing on recalling what time period I am in all day in order to do what, if memory serves, entails interacting effectively with my estranged sister, and I could really use it. RUTH: So it would be great if you could throw me a bone, here. UNCLE BRO: Alright alright jeez UNCLE BRO: -He finally relents, and embraces her as well. She's surprisingly soft, still cold but that's alright. She is still, definitely a friend even with the mind powers and cryptic bullshit. There was definitely something comforting about a hug from someone who doesn't physically interact often.- UNCLE BRO: You missed my birthday by the way i know you were probably in three thousand and eight but my old ass is forty seven now RUTH: Are you sure? -she leans a little closer. She's not too eager to break this hold, after all.- You don't look it. UNCLE BRO: I think im startin to feel it though maybe i just hallucinated it -She's gonna get a squeeze now- RUTH: It's best to forget it ever happened. RUTH: It went well, by the way. Thank you for asking. UNCLE BRO: Glad to hear things with you and rox went well RUTH: I also. RUTH: Think that I may have forgotten to eat. UNCLE BRO: -He's trying to feed u beef jerky now Ruth- UNCLE BRO: I got beef jerky and whiskey RUTH: -noms out of his hand like a little baby deer- RUTH: I have a few questions about your idea of a balanced diet. UNCLE BRO: Its the im emotionally compromised diet RUTH: Admitting is the first step. UNCLE BRO: Eat more jerky UNCLE BRO: -He feeds her more- UNCLE BRO: I kinda missed your particular brand of bullshit RUTH: Mff. -nibbles- RUTH: I would miss yours, but it is ever present. RUTH: The real thing is quite a bit better, though. RUTH: Assuming this is still real, and I am not relapsing something fierce. RUTH: That's pretty possible. UNCLE BRO: Nope youre still with me unfortunately RUTH: What a shame. RUTH: -kisses his cheek- RUTH: Thanks for the dehydrated flesh. UNCLE BRO: You gettin ready to take a nap RUTH: Causality tells me it's inevitable. RUTH: Sorry, Dave. Them's the breaks. UNCLE BRO: Guess im not goin anywhere for a while RUTH: -tucks her head in the crook of his neck- You can always roll me off when your legs go numb. UNCLE BRO: You know my legs are stronger than that -His voice gets soft- UNCLE BRO: All that running RUTH: Don't go anywhere. -mumbles- UNCLE BRO: Not this time RUTH: -she's just breathing now, softly, trying to focus on the warmth of him and tune out every voice and thought begging her attention. But it's hard. She's not asleep just yet, but she's dreaming again, like always.- Love you, too. UNCLE BRO: -He can't recall a time they were close like this. Still, it's warm and nostalgic and all encompassing, made sweeter by the knowledge that he hadn't lost everything.- UNCLE BRO: Yeah i know

[phantasmatrappings-blog]

RUTH: -She has wandered through the ship long enough. Eventually, she finds herself at the door of someone of particular importance, and she hesitates for longer than she knows she should. There are times when she can try this later, but she doesn't want to risk it. Can't bring herself to, even knowing that. She knocks.- ROXANNE: *There is a muffled "One sec!" coming through the door to answer the knock, and a few moments afterwards the door is politely swung open so Roxanne could greet whoever was on the otherside, smiling while balancing Russet on her hip with one arm secured around the child.* Hellooo-.............. *When she sees who it is Roxanne's moment of cheerfulness is gone. Her smile vanishes and her lips form a tight line instead while she wraps her other arm around her adopted kid (Perhaps even a little defensively)* You're.... here. RUTH: -She blinks a few times at this particular picture.- RUTH: I thought. RUTH: We could, perhaps, talk. ROXANNE: *Roxanne squints and looks her sister up and down, still cradling Russet pretty close to herself.* Talk? ROXANNE: *She isn't so sure about this. But Russet is curious about this stranger and is reaching one small to point towards Ruth, chirping at her mom like "Who dis?"* ROXANNE: *Looks down at the bab.* ..... Alright. ROXANNE: *Roxanne turns to step aside and allowed Ruth into her room.* ROXANNE: *Its pretty homey in there. The closet door is covered with pictures, some old, some more recent (Like pictures of her, Russet and Derek) and a lot of them are snap shots of her many slightly deformed cats back home. There is a couch if Ruth would like to sit down, for the meantime Roxanne sets Russet free so she can clean up all the troll's toys that are spread out over the ground.* RUTH: -Ruth glides in carefully, her gaze moving over the pictures, but she's seen them before. She couldn't help but to, in the future where this was possible. The present, now, it seems. She isn't certain what to do with herself for a moment, with all the thoughts she's trying to sort out, so she remains standing there.- RUTH: ... I realize our last meeting wasn't... ideal. RUTH: And.. RUTH: I want to amend that. And also. RUTH: Apologize. RUTH: It isn't the best excuse, but the way I see things anymore is... different. Than it used to be. RUTH: Than, I imagine, just about anyone might have the capacity to understand. RUTH: And I won't ask you to try. RUTH: Or to forgive me for the choices I made that led me to this. RUTH: Whatever you feel, I know you're entitled to. RUTH: I feel you're more entitled than anyone to whatever it is you feel about me. RUTH: But I would like you to know that... RUTH: I never wanted to hurt you. RUTH: And that, in every capacity I'm still able to, you are, in fact-- RUTH: The thing that makes me feel the most human. RUTH: The thing that makes me feel the most, really, at all. ROXANNE: ....Mhhm. *She says flatly while keeping her back to Ruth, placing one of Russet's beanie babies on her bed. She couldn't help but still feel angry all over again, despite the apology. Maybe it was because Ruth was right in saying that Roxanne couldn't understand? She really couldn't figure out why her older sister would go all those years never saying a word to her, never seeking her out. Its not like Roxanne could have done it herself! She hadn't even known Ruth was still alive.* ROXANNE: ..... *She sighs through her nose and now turns to look at her sister, crossing her arms tightly.* ROXANNE: I dont know what you're wanting me to say. ROXANNE: Actually, you already know what im gonna' say before i do right? ROXANNE: Thats how your new *She points at her own eyes.* thing works, right? RUTH: I know what you might say. RUTH: But I don't expect anything to work in my favor. RUTH: That isn't what this is about. ROXANNE: Then what is it about? you're just here. telling me about how youre sorry and aren't expecting any forgiveness or nothin'. is that really it? ROXANNE: *She holds up one finger, starting to keep a tally.* First time you reveal yourself to me, in years, its in front of my two daughters. ROXANNE: Who you knew about. ROXANNE: Couldn't have maybe given me a heads up about rose? just a simple "she survived" sort of thing? ROXANNE: Now second time you appear its at my door with no real warning to go into some heart wrenching apology that you arent fully expecting to go over well but do it anyways. ROXANNE: *Thats two fingers up now, but that aint no peace sign.* ROXANNE: *Roxanne is standing there frowning hard and strong.* ROXANNE: Two times in the last thirty years you've said anything to me. Just two times i've seen you. ROXANNE: But youre telling me you've seen me however many million ways with your new found visions deal. ROXANNE: *Roxanne puts down her fingers and stiffens* ..... Why didn't you ever talk to me before. RUTH: ... I can't tell you that the answers are fair. I've come to realize they very rarely are. But if that's what you want to know, I can tell you. RUTH: There are several things that I could have done. ROXANNE: I don't want to know what you COULD HAVE DONE. ROXANNE: I want ONE answer! Why. Not. RUTH: I am getting to that. ROXANNE: URGHH!! RUTH: Unfortunately, it's not a short answer. ROXANNE: *Shes dualface palming.* Of course it isn't. RUTH: Contacting you about Rose being alive is certainly among things I could have done. RUTH: However, I could not have guaranteed she would still be so, had I gone through with it. ROXANNE: **Russet is just sitting on the couch on her learning husktop, looking between the two adults while pressing the key that makes the duck go QUACK.* RUTH: I could have spoken to you at all. RUTH: But I didn't, because if something had changed-- if you had not ended up on that ship... RUTH: I don't know if my reasons anymore are more selfish or objective. ROXANNE: Being on that ship ruined my whole career. just fyi. RUTH: I don't think it would be much consolation to tell you that outcome was inevitable. RUTH: But I would rather you here than-- ROXANNE: Oh gee. well thanks for letting me know everything i wasted my life for was doomed for failure anyways. I'm feeling better already. RUTH: -She's just. Quiet.- ROXANNE: **Russet can feel the tension between these two, and while she can't speak to break it up, she can crank up the volume on her learning husk top so it starts blasting the ABCs.* ROXANNE: ........ *Roxanne's scrunched up, angry expression softens at the sound of a happy voice singing loudly while her adopted daughter claps to it.* ROXANNE: Don't think you two have actually met yet, i guess. ROXANNE: *Her eyes shift between her sister and her kid.* RUTH: ... No. Probably not. RUTH: -she takes in a breath, turning toward the little troll baby on the couch.- RUTH: -she has no idea how to interact with children. this is going to be embarrassing. she moves a little closer and bends down some.- RUTH: Hello. I'm Ruth. ROXANNE: **Russet smiles and makes her husktop quack a few more times and smiles, raising her hand not slamming keys to give a tiny, shy wave. She likes your eyes ruth. She will happily chirr at you!* ROXANNE: *Roxanne comes a little bit closer to stand on the oposite side of the couch, watching the two interact.* She still isn't speakin' yet. but that means she is saying hello. RUTH: It's a very good hello. ROXANNE: Yeah i think it knocks most greetings out of the water, too. RUTH: -that little chirr purr tho- Reminds me of our old friend. ROXANNE: **Russet smiles and turns her husk top to show Ruth her counting game. She's filled it out all the way to thirty six on her own!!* RUTH: -peers at her handywork and points at it- You did this yourself? ROXANNE: Hm. never thought of it before, but yeah guess she does sound pretty close. *Is that the traces of a smile sneaking onto Roxanne's face? Well its hard not to get happier when thinking about kitties.* ROXANNE: **Russet points at the screen too and nods her head. Right after she types in the number thirty seven.* RUTH: -oh same.- That's pretty impressive. ROXANNE: *Roxanne can't see the screen from where she is.* Whats she up to? RUTH: She's beating your record. -looks at Russet- Your mother couldn't count to thirty-seven until she was at least five. When you're old enough, you, too, may even be able to lose track of your multiple copies of animals. ROXANNE: Wow. okay rude as heck, i got close to it okay. ROXANNE: Learning double digits are hard. ROXANNE: Plus who is the well known figure head of genetic cloning? ROXANNE: *She is pouting with her hands on her hips, but its not in anger for once. It would seem it was easier for her to slip into banter with Ruth then Roxanne would have thought.* RUTH: I would never fault an inordinate amount of happy, fuzzy faces. ROXANNE: **Russet is giggling at their conversation. She doesn't know what they are talking about but its funny to her, so shes holding her tiny hands up to her face and smiling so wide you can see her little fangs.* RUTH: ... That is. RUTH: Ridiculously adorable, frankly. ROXANNE: *Roxanne had a comeback for that but she is too easily distracted by her kid.* Ruth, ridiculously adorable ain't even doing it justice. ROXANNE: That is just whole new levels of cute. ROXANNE: Gosh. russet hun, you are gonna' end me one day with your sweet face. ROXANNE: **She knows mom =BD* RUTH: I'm beginning to feel frighteningly similar. RUTH: Please, continue. ROXANNE: **Russet is enjoying all this attention so much. She already thinks Ruth needs to come by more often.* ROXANNE: *Roxanne finally stops gushing over her adorable organge spotted potato and looks over at Ruth again.* ROXANNE: *Her expressions softens a little bit and she awkward shifts on her feet.* ....Look. ROXANNE: Im sorry for givin' you a hard time. ROXANNE: Still feel like i kinda' have a right to be metric fuck loads mad at you but. ROXANNE: Well. ROXANNE: *She just shrugs and looks around at anything that isn't her sister.* RUTH: -Ruth freezes up. She isn't certain what to say for a long moment, even knowing all the possibilities.- RUTH: I meant everything I said. RUTH: And.. RUTH: I missed you. ROXANNE: I... *She forcefully drags her gaze over to Ruth, looking her sister up and down again. It wasn't the same girl she spent her childhood with, but. It was still Ruth in some distant way.* ROXANNE: I missed you too. ROXANNE: A lot. ROXANNE: Like... ROXANNE: Every single day. ROXANNE: *Oh fuck shes getting a little emotional. Roxanne quickly reaches up the heel of her hand to wipe at her misty eyes.* RUTH: -Seeing Roxanne like this is a feeling she can't ignore, something too strong and too primal to ever, ever forget. It feels like, possibly, the most dangerous thing she could ever think to do, but she moves just a little closer to her sister.- RUTH: For a long time, RUTH: I didn't know that you would be okay. RUTH: I... RUTH: Thought quite a lot about coming to get you, whether... you wanted to or not. RUTH: But I also knew that you made your choice, like I made mine, and... RUTH: I wanted to be able to give you that freedom. To be... whatever it was that you wanted to be. RUTH: Without anyone telling you otherwise. ROXANNE: *Shes smiling and trying not to sniff to much as she reigns herself back in emotionally.* Heh, well. ROXANNE: If you had come back then i probably would have sassed you for taking so long. RUTH: I appreciate all of your sass, past, present, and hypothetical. RUTH: I am pretty sure it is well earned. RUTH: And like hell am I letting anyone take that badge away from me. ROXANNE: What about future sass? RUTH: -she pauses at that- RUTH: ... That most of all. ROXANNE: I dont think anyone might have earned that badge as much as you have tee bee h. ROXANNE: You've been missing out on thirty years of little sister mouthing off. ROXANNE: So im going to have to get started asap. RUTH: I would appreciate that. There is quite literally no one else able to supply this frankly apeshit demand. ROXANNE: Well technically speaking rose is also kind of your sister at the same time as being your niece so she could always sass you and i think that would half count. RUTH: Touché. ROXANNE: She would probably be better at it then me too now that im thinking 'bout it. RUTH: I am going to have to factor in some personal bias in that evaluation. RUTH: That is, my own bias. In favor of the present sass. ROXANNE: Im touched you prefer my sass. RUTH: I hope you are taking notes. ROXANNE: Heck. you caught me, im not. ROXANNE: Guess that minus my in class participation for the day. ROXANNE: Shucks and i was doing so well too. RUTH: Not all of us can be teacher's pets. RUTH: Besides, you have some pretty solid competition. RUTH: -looks over at Russet- ROXANNE: Gasp!! *She also looks over at her kid.* ROXANNE: **Russet looks up at them from her computer.* ..... *She then sneezes and gets back to her learning.* ROXANNE: *the potato then sneezes)) RUTH: -oh god damn it. WHO ALLOWED YOU TO BE THAT CUTE.- RUTH: Yes. RUTH: Solid argument. ROXANNE: Look at her, she is so dedicated to bein' a student. ROXANNE: Just don't get to absorbed into it missy. ROXANNE: *Or you will end up like your mom who had practically no friends or family for the majority of her life.* RUTH: I think she will have the proper guidance to avoid that fate. ROXANNE: True. im sure she will probably take after derek's care free ways. ROXANNE: .... anychance you can see if she does or doesnt? RUTH: There is a 100% chance that I absolutely, certifiably can. RUTH: And I can also say you have nothing to worry about. ROXANNE: Cool. ROXANNE: Cool stuff even. ROXANNE: *She is actually majorly relieved though, even if its a vague answer.* RUTH: Agreed. RUTH: ... So. Um. RUTH: ... I don't know if it's out of line to ask at this point or not. ROXANNE: Hm? *:0* ROXANNE: What is it? RUTH: I think I would really like to hug you. ROXANNE: Oh. ROXANNE: *Roxanne does actually take time to consider this. Which she feels bad about because she shouldn't HAVE to consider if she should allow her sister to hug her or not, but she needed to be certain.* ROXANNE: Yeah. Sure, I think. ROXANNE: *Roxanne awkwardly opens her arms for Ruth. At least if she wants it shes going to have to come get it.* RUTH: -It's good enough for her, and she's not going to complain about having to work for it a little. She steps closer, and even the proximity is enough to start the pricking in Ruth's eyes before she can even get her arms around her sister. When she does, it's only that much worse, and she can't help squeezing tighter, inhaling a tight breath. It's real. She can finally know this, be certain of it. The warmth against her and the familiar smell of happiness and the hot tears in her eyes, they're all so very real.- ROXANNE: *Roxanne is ready for it when it comes. And her worries of it being awkard were put to rest once Ruth was in her arms. They were years older, vast experiences apart, and hardly the same women they had been when they split apart, but the hug was as ever familiar. So Ruth didn't have to worry about being the only one getting teary eyed over it.*

[phantasmatrappings-blog]

RUTH: -Here she is, knocking on Jolene's door. It's a surprise visit, except not really in the scheme of things.- JOLENE: *and jolene is peeved, oh is she peeved! far too much to register the fact that they've landed on locas, and thusly remember her old friends awaiting her here, so when she answers the door it is, in fact, a total surprise.* JOLENE: oh!! JOLENE: ruth! JOLENE: *she smiles wide, despite her frustrations.* RUTH: Jolene. RUTH: Shall I come in? JOLENE: please do! *waddles aside for her* RUTH: -she glides in, hands folded over one another in front of herself. she pauses somewhere mid-room.- RUTH: It's... RUTH: Been a while? JOLENE: *she laughs a bit at the inquisitive nature of it.* yes, it has. JOLENE: it doesn't feel the way to me... i guess it might not feel that way to you either? RUTH: Not exactly, no. RUTH: I would guess that is all a part of getting older. RUTH: Except my frame of reference is a little off. RUTH: -turns to look at her again- RUTH: You're understandably upset. JOLENE: oh... yes. *she wilts a little like a sad pup.* ever since i found out what happened, i've just been storming around my room in a tiff! JOLENE: but now i just feel a little tired. RUTH: I suppose now would be a bad time to say I have hopes. A term I use loosely, by the way. JOLENE: :o JOLENE: that does mean quite a bit coming from you! JOLENE: why do you say that? RUTH: As strange as it is going to sound, RUTH: This was inevitable for a very good reason. RUTH: As... terrible as it was. RUTH: And is. RUTH: Or will be. RUTH: This timeline is working in a number of crucial ways. RUTH: My intention in sharing this is to offer you some comfort, if I can. JOLENE: ... well, i'm glad to hear it?? it's kind of hard to find comfort in knowing so many people had to lose their lives for "optimal outcomes." JOLENE: but... so many lives have been lost already. :( JOLENE:  if we're on the right track to something better, that's all i can really hope for. JOLENE: but i can't help hoping that... my plans will make a difference. and something like this doesn't have to happen again. RUTH: I wouldn't be the one to stop you from hoping. RUTH: I have quite a few of my own. RUTH: So far, they seem to be... mostly succeeding. JOLENE: *perks a little* that's good! JOLENE: are there any you can share with me? :) RUTH: Well. RUTH: Against my better judgement, it is difficult to say no to you. JOLENE: hehehe. RUTH: This is among your many well-honed crafts. RUTH: I... have a chance. RUTH: To speak to Roxanne again. JOLENE: *nod nod* oh, that's right! *and she's been meaning to speak with roxanne, herself...* RUTH: My hope there is that it goes better than previously. RUTH: There was an opportunity for it to succeed last time where... it did not. RUTH: I would like to amend that this time. JOLENE: *laughs a little again, because even she could tell her that without the ability to see the things ruth can.* i believe in you, ruth. RUTH: That, I feel, is more powerful than even fate. RUTH: Thank you. RUTH: I am also hoping our recent visit won't be extended too long. RUTH: But that will make sense once we've more than worn out our welcome, I'm sure. JOLENE: hehehe... well, no offense to all of you, but i'm a little anxious to continue our journey, anyway. RUTH: I don't blame you. RUTH: You have a lot to take care of. JOLENE: i do! but while i'm here... would you be willing to help me hammer out some of the details of my plan? JOLENE: i'd really appreciate your help. and everyone else's. RUTH: Conferring with me could be considered cheating. RUTH: But, naturally, that is why I am for it. JOLENE: whatever it takes! :P RUTH: You could return the favor for me, if you're up to it. JOLENE: i'd love to! *sign her the fuck up for any kind of plotting* RUTH: -not so much plotting on this end- I might... like someone to talk to. RUTH: After all this is over. JOLENE: oh, i see. *expression softens and she nods with a small smile.* JOLENE: you can talk to me. RUTH: Thank you. Again. JOLENE: anytime, ruth... i mean it! i know i'm disorganized when it comes to anything besides my pursuits, but... for you, and for our friends, i will always make the time. RUTH: No need to mention it. We have that much in common. RUTH: I can certainly deal with a little disorganization. RUTH: Ah... But. RUTH: It is nice. Just to see you. RUTH: That remains true, no matter how many times I do. JOLENE: i feel the same way. *she smiles wider. enough of all this. it is time for hugs. here she comes!!* RUTH: -OH GOSH OH JEEZ. Even when she sees them coming, these things still manage to make her emotional. Some things just never change. Her arms rise, wrapping around Jolene carefully. Then, a little more tightly.- JOLENE: *well, jolene will not hesitate to give her a nice warm squeeze and a rub to her back. it's as much a comfort to her as she hopes it is for ruth, and she intends to hold it for a good long moment.* RUTH: -She takes a deep breath, hesitant to move away as well, even while she feels the moment is extending endlessly in her mind. It still seems too short a time, in the scheme of things.- RUTH: ... I think, with that solid blessing, I am just about ready to get this show on the road. JOLENE: *pats ruth on the shoulders before she finally draws back as well.* you're gonna do great. JOLENE: :) RUTH: If all else fails, I will surely come back for more. RUTH: I doubt anyone could stand against more than one blessing from Jolene English for very long. RUTH: I will see you in time. JOLENE: yes! until then... take care, ruth. *shows her to the door like an excellent host.* RUTH: -Ruth won't break the fourth wall to shudder at that phrase, thankfully, and instead drifts on out after looking at Jolene one more time for, what she believes, luck.-

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TYRENA: -GR0DY GN0ME 1S G0NNA GET CREEPED UP 0N- TYRENA: -She 1s d01ng THAT EXACT TH1NG TH0UGH.  Terr1bly qu1et f00tsteps as she appr0aches wherever Ruth m1ght be.  1t's a b1t hard t0 tell w1th her-- generally, as 1s the case w1th s0me0ne wh0 d0es n0t have c0mplete rat10nal facult1es-- s0 she's g01ng t0 exhaust every p0ss1b1l1ty unt1l she's g0t her.- RUTH: -She's too busy zoning out and also knowing that Tyrena is coming to pay attention to the present fact that Tyrena is already here. For some reason, she ended up sitting in the middle of the floor in a hallway. It's just a Ruth thing. Nobody is surprised.- TYRENA: -Tyrena 1s R1GHT 0ver her n0w.  And then she's lean1ng 0ver her, head 0n her sh0ulder.- TYRENA: HELL0000 TYRENA: 1 SEEM T0 HAVE CAUGHT Y0U TYRENA: Y0U ARE CAPABLE 0F MAK1NG Y0URSELF VERY D1FF1CULT T0 F1ND, Y0U KN0W RUTH: Yet I find it much easier to keep track of where I am here. RUTH: It is a common route. TYRENA: 1 AM ENT1RELY C0NV1NCED THAT 1S A MYTH TYRENA: THERE 1S N0 SUCH TH1NG AS A C0MM0N R0UTE WHEN 1T C0MES T0 Y0U TYRENA: 1 ALS0 C0ME BEAR1NG A VERY PART1CULAR P1ECE 0F 1NF0RMAT10N TYRENA: THAT Y0U MAY F1ND Y0URSELF 1NTERESTED 1N! TYRENA: ARE Y0U PREPARED, LAL0NDE? RUTH: I'm not unprepared. TYRENA: HMM TYRENA: 1 KN0W THAT Y0U HAVE ALREADY PEEKED TYRENA: AND 1 SUSPECT THAT Y0U ARE HERE F0R N0 0THER REAS0N THAN Y0U KNEW 1 W0ULD BE HERE D01NG TH1S EXACT TH1NG TYRENA: BUT Y0U SEE TYRENA: 1 MYSELF AM PREPARED F0R THAT EVENTUAL1TY TYRENA: BECAUSE TYRENA: 1T 1S TYRENA: ... TYRENA: 12TH PER1GEE'S EVE TYRENA: -She dr0ps a l1ttle br0wn package 1n her lap, t1ed up w1th str1ng.- RUTH: ! TYRENA: 1T 1S ST1LL ABS0LUTELY PREC10US TYRENA: WHENEVER Y0U ARE SURPR1SED BY THE TH1NGS 1 D0 TYRENA: 1 W0ULD RUB MY FACE AGA1NST Y0U JUST T0 HEAR THE T1NY V0CAL1ZAT10NS Y0U MAKE WHEN 1T HAPPENS TYRENA: G0 AHEAD TYRENA: 0PEN 1T >:) RUTH: -She blinks a few times, and it is... nice. She knows many things, most things, but even so, some things are hard to keep straight. Even harder to appreciate until they're actually happening, the way they are right now. But she is not about to argue, regardless, so she scoops up the package, tugging at the string. She is fairly certain she knows what's inside, but she also gets to experience openi RUTH: ng it for the first time, for no other reason than that Tyrena wanted to make it so. One would imagine otherwise, but it is things like this that make the days meaningful.- TYRENA: -She drapes herself aga1nst her back.  The c0ntents, 0f c0urse, are what she l1kely pred1cted-- a p1ece 0f black st0ne, s1m1lar t0 black 0nyx, carved r0ughly 1n the shape 0f a human skull.-  1 D1D N0T KN0W WHAT Y0UR LUSUS W0ULD BE TYRENA: AND WH1LE 1 RAN SEVERAL CALCULAT10NS TYRENA: 1 WANTED T0 DETERM1NE S0METH1NG THAT SU1TED Y0U BETTER TYRENA: 1 C0ULD N0T TH1NK 0F ANYTH1NG M0RE HUMAN THAN A LARGE P1ECE 0F A HUMAN RUTH: It is incredibly so. RUTH: And admittedly much better. TYRENA: -She nuzzles up aga1nst the s1de 0f her face.-  1 TH0UGHT S0, T00 TYRENA: 1 WAS G01NG T0 D0 A HEART, MAYBE, BUT THEN EVERY0NE'S G01NG T0 START TH1NK MY PUSHER 1S BLEED1NG 0VER Y0U TYRENA: MAYBE 1T 1S! TYRENA: BUT THEY SH0LDN'T TH1NK 1T >:0 TYRENA: Y0U AREN'T THE 0NLY 0NE WH0 CAN'T REMEMBER THE DATE F0R SH1T, BY THE WAY TYRENA: THEY'VE ALL BEEN WANDER1NG AR0UND W0NDER1NG WHAT 1T 1S 1'M D01NG RUTH: -That reminds her of something else, but she doesn't show it other than her eyes narrowing a fraction. It's easier to let herself think about the others' confusion.- RUTH: Mostly, you are being incredibly endearing, much to the dismay of all. TYRENA: 1 SUPP0SE Y0U ARE ALL0WED T0 SAY TH1NGS L1KE THAT TYRENA: Y0U HAVE THAT PART1CULAR PR1VELEGE RUTH: I like to take advantage of it at any given opportunity. -Slowly, she is turning her head, her hand reaching in a way that almost seems blindly in Tyrena's general direction. It is easier for things to feel -- and be -- new when she doesn't plan her movements much in advance. It is advantageous that the small things have more allowance to be randomized.- TYRENA: -Her hand d0es f1nd Tyrena's, at least, and she lets 0ut a sl1ght tr1ll, rubb1ng up aga1nst her a b1t m0re-- squ1rmy, 1mpat1ent, and s0meh0w 1nf1n1tely bendable as she squ1rms her way ar0und fr0m her back t0 l00p ar0und t0 her fr0nt and settle 1nt0 her lap.- TYRENA: Y0U W1LL TELL N0 0NE 0F MY WEAKNESSES, 1 H0PE TYRENA: THEY ARE FRAG1LE AND DEL1CATE L1KE BABY B1RD B0NES TYRENA: REST1NG 1N Y0UR HUMAN APPENDAGES RUTH: Also nesting as such. TYRENA: -nest nest nest- MAYBE TYRENA: Y0U MAKE LAY1NG 0N THE FL00R APPEAL1NG TYRENA: WH0 1S THE 0NE AT FAULT HERE???? TYRENA: N0T ME! RUTH: -Her hand finds its way into Tyrena's hair, now, offering little scritches.- TYRENA: NHGHH TYRENA: WHAT D1D 1 JUST SAY AB0UT WEAKNESSES TYRENA: >:0 RUTH: One day, you may leave the nest and accept causal responsibility. RUTH: But today is not that day. RUTH: Thus, RUTH: Scritches. TYRENA: -She 1s already tr1ll1ng, extra sens1t1ve t0 pets.-  1 L1KE TH1S BETTER TYRENA: THE 0NE THAT HAS TYRENA: WARM HUMAN FLESH AND S0FT HUMAN HA1R TYRENA: THAT'S A G00D NEST RUTH: I'm glad you agree. -She may have sort of forgotten the gifting and the day being a thing again, but she does remember Tyrena being in her lap, and that's important. It might be a strange time to say so, but then, she also realizes there isn't much distinction for her.- I try to keep these times intact. RUTH: The threads where I know I can see you happier, for... a day. Or a time. RUTH: -It occurs to her suddenly.- Maybe that is manipulative. TYRENA: -She sh1fts, a b1t.  Her express10n changes a l1ttle b1t.-  FR0M Y0UR PERSPECT1VE TYRENA: 1S 1T REALLY P0SS1BLE T0 AV01D MAN1PULAT1NG TYRENA: 1'VE TR1ED THE ALTERNAT1VE, Y0U KN0W RUTH: ... Yeah. TYRENA: -She squeezes her a l1ttle b1t t1ghter.  She hes1tates t0 speak f0r a m0ment.-  HEHE TYRENA: 1 D0 N0T KN0W 1F Y0U'RE AGREE1NG W1TH ME TYRENA: 0R 1F Y0U ARE AGREE1NG T0 MY HYP0THET1CAL TYRENA: 0R, PERHAPS, 1F THAT W0RD CARR1ES N0 MEAN1NG AT ALL TYRENA: Y0U KN0W TYRENA: NATURE 0F UNCERTA1NTY AND ALL TYRENA: PERHAPS 1T W0ULD TYRENA: EASE Y0UR GU1LT T0 KN0W TYRENA: THAT 1 KN0W PREC1SELY WHAT 1 AM GETT1NG 1NT0 TYRENA: WHAT 1 HAVE G0TTEN 1NT0 TYRENA: AND WHAT 1 HAVE BEEN 1N F0R TYRENA: A WH1LE N0W RUTH: -It helps to be reminded. Sometimes it's easy to forget just where they are in being together, too, and even with all the things she can see, it's hard to know how someone really feels. Maybe she feels a little guilty, but mostly she feels, and that's significant.- RUTH: I may have forgotten to thank you, lately. RUTH: For letting me be this with you. TYRENA: -She rests her f0rehead aga1nst Ruth's, lett1ng 0ut a tr1ll, qu1eter than bef0re.-  HA TYRENA: BE1NG W1TH Y0U TYRENA: 1SN'T REALLY AN ACT 0F CHAR1TY TYRENA: Y0U KN0W TYRENA: 1 SAW A L0T 0F TH1NGS TYRENA: 1 D0N'T REMEMBER M0ST 0F THEM, BUT TYRENA: THERE 1S A FEEL1NG TYRENA: 1T WAS A VAST EMPT1NESS TYRENA: AN EXPER1ENCE 0F ... TYRENA: N0TH1NG AT ALL TYRENA: AS TH0UGH THE UN1VERSE HAD D1ED TYRENA: AND 1 WAS N0TH1NG TYRENA: AND S0 WAS EVERYTH1NG ELSE TYRENA: -She takes 1n a breath, lett1ng 1t g0.-  1 D0N'T KN0W 1F 1T WAS THE FUTURE TYRENA: A P0SS1B1L1TY 0R MAYBE JUST TYRENA: S0ME K1ND 0F N1GHTMARE TYRENA: BUT Y0U TYRENA: UNDERSTAND TYRENA: AND 1 AM N0T AFRA1D 0F THAT FEEL1NG TYRENA: KN0W1NG THAT 1'M N0T AL0NE RUTH: -It's strange again, the way these words filter through, the way they process like something she understands beyond understanding. Something that she knows, but not for having predicted it, having seen it. Maybe this is among the many reasons Tyrena is so precious to her -- because so often, she finds ways to guide Ruth to remember herself, to remember what herself even feels like. Tyrena knows, a RUTH: nd it's just enough to reach her.- RUTH: I think I feel the same. TYRENA: -She k1sses her, as qu1ck as 1t 1s sudden.-  Y0U TH1NK TYRENA: 1 TH1NK S0, T00 TYRENA: AND 1 C0NS1DER MYSELF S0ME0NE WH0 KN0WS Y0U JUST WELL EN0UGH TYRENA: T0 BE CERTA1N 0F THAT RUTH: Then I know. TYRENA: -She l00ps a l0ck 0f ha1r ar0und her f1nger, 1dly t0y1ng w1th 1t.-  1N CASE Y0U F0RG0T AGA1N RUTH: -She leans in closer, much the opposite of quick and sudden, and her forehead presses against Tyrena's. It reminds her, too, and the memory aches in her chest in the sweetest sort of way.- TYRENA: MERRY 12TH RUTH: ... Merry Christmas, too. RUTH: That's probably relevant sometime. TYRENA: YES TYRENA: THE EXACT SAME DAY, ACTUALLY

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Going Away Party: Commons Area

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#LALONDECON

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Land of Caves And Silence - Meeting

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RUTH: -It's every now and then she exits from the back, and it's a clear enough indicator of her mood -- or, at least, her present state -- that she went through the back rather than the front. Ruth is quiet as she leads Tyrena through the halls, elsewhere, but it's not quiet she's experiencing. Really, it's more like settling back into the usual fervor of things, the ghosts of thoughts and sounds and images all like stratified layers around her. It was difficult focusing that long and that intensely on the present, on clear and concise answers to questions about the future that, often, felt like they were already happening, had already happened. Giving the situation the attention it was due, without allowing herself to be sidetracked as was so easy and so natural. This group would have expected and understood it, but newcomers? She had done her best to stay attentive, but it made her weary, and by the time they reached a more private room, a place where Ruth could settle the present's body down on a platform that was soft, she had nearly stopped thinking about the present at all, with the exception of the hand in hers.- TYRENA: -Tyrena was half lead1ng her, half be1ng lead.  She knew the feel1ng reas0nably well-- at least, as cl0se an appr0x1mat10n as any0ne c0uld exper1ence w1th0ut hav1ng g0ne thr0ugh what Ruth d1d.  1t was amaz1ng h0w clear and c0nc1se her place 1n the present m0ment felt, even w1th every n01se send1ng c0l0rs flash1ng thr0ugh her m1nd l1ke br1ght f1rew0rks, and the feel1ng l1ke her b0dy m1ght fl0at away when n0t t0uch1ng 0r man1pulat1ng s0meth1ng between her f1ngers.  She eventually made 1t 0ver t0 Ruth's bed w1th her, her s0mewhat raspy v01ce s0ftened t0 a qu1eter t0ne than her rash, c0nf1dent t0nes 0f bef0re.- TYRENA: Y0U'RE 1N Y0UR R00M N0W TYRENA: JUST S0 Y0U KN0W THAT TYRENA: 1T'S BEEN AB0UT F1VE H0URS S1NCE THEY'VE ARR1VED RUTH: -The voice comes, and she knows she's really hearing it, and it reminds her. Five hours. It felt like it had been no time at all, but when things tended to happen so often, everything seemed that way. She sighed without entirely realizing it, rolling onto her side in Tyrena's direction.- TYRENA: Y0U NEED T0 DR1NK S0METH1NG TYRENA: BECAUSE 1 KN0W Y0U D1DN'T 1N THAT L0NG RUTH: -Her brows knit.- I'm not ready. RUTH: To talk to her. TYRENA: -Tyrena seems t0 gr0pe bl1ndly f0r a b1t, eventually f1nd1ng a lukewarm b0ttle 0f water.  Her br0w furr0wed f0r a m0ment as she tw1sted the cap, 0pen1ng the b0ttle and return1ng t0 her s1de.  She seemed t0 th1nk 0n these w0rds f0r a few l0ng m0ments.-  THE 0NE TYRENA: W1TH THE V01CE THAT L00KED JUST L1KE Y0URS TYRENA: THE R1GHT CADENCE T0 MATCH Y0UR C0L0RS TYRENA: TAK0DA SA1D S0METH1NG AB0UT A 'S1M1LAR AURA' RUTH: I know her. RUTH: Or, I will. TYRENA: L1FT Y0UR HEAD TYRENA: D0N'T CH0KE TYRENA: -She attempts t0 place the b0ttle t0 her l1ps.- RUTH: -she complies, familiar enough with this process to remind herself to be careful despite how she feels, and she sips- TYRENA: Y0U KN0W PREC1SELY WHEN Y0U W1LL BE READY TYRENA: R1GHT? RUTH: -she pulls back, has to breathe- RUTH: I don't know that I will be. RUTH: It's the thought that maybe knowing will help. TYRENA: Y0U W1LL L1KELY PERS1ST 1N BE1NG RUTH, TYRENA: -she pulls the b0ttle away, sett1ng 1t as1de as she s1ts 0ver the edge 0f the bed, lett1ng her hand tangle 1n her ha1r as she str0kes and pets at her scalp.- TYRENA: AND THEY W1LL L1KELY PERS1ST 1N L1V1NG THE1R L1VES, W1TH AND W1TH0UT Y0U, 1N VARY1NG DEGREES RUTH: I've thought about it for so long, maybe I forgot what it meant that it would actually come one day. TYRENA: WHAT ARE THEY T0 Y0U? TYRENA: 1N A SENSE BEY0ND THE ES0TER1C RUTH: ... It's hard to say. RUTH: I'm not sure it's fair to say that we are family, but that's the closest word I have. TYRENA: AN 1NTEREST1NG C0NCEPT TYRENA: F0R ALL 0F 1TS ABSURD1T1ES TYRENA: HA-- Y0U KN0W TYRENA: Y0U'D F1T 1N AB0UT AS WELL AS THE REST 0F THEM TYRENA: 1 D0N'T KN0W 1F Y0U C0ULD TELL FR0M THE 1ND1V1DUALS TYRENA: THEY WERE 0DD TYRENA: THEY MAY N0T SEE AS W1DE A SC0PE AS Y0U D0 TYRENA: BUT THEY HAVE BEEN PA1NTED S1M1LAR C0L0RS RUTH: We have so many chances to fail to connect. And I know that they would be, undeniably, my fault. I also know that history has a strong desire to repeat itself. RUTH: With so many opportunities, it should be easier to prepare oneself to fail again. TYRENA: WH1CH 0NE WAS 1T >:? TYRENA: WHAT WAS SHE L1KE? RUTH: Roxanne. TYRENA: -She l1cks her l1ps, and n0ds.-  ARE Y0U TYRENA: AFRA1D TYRENA: H0NESTLY RUTH: I think we both are. RUTH: She had always been afraid of something. Too much, or too little of something. RUTH: She will be afraid of me, too. RUTH: I wanted to make her feel safe. TYRENA: HA! TYRENA: D0ES SHE NEED T0 FEEL SAFE? TYRENA: 0R 1S THAT MERELY WHAT Y0U WANT F0R HER? TYRENA: Y0U KN0W H0W D1FFERENT THE TW0 PATHS CAN D1VERGE, DARL1NG AL1EN FLUTTERBUG RUTH: I know. RUTH: But I'll face it. RUTH: Everything she's been without me. RUTH: And it's too late to look back and see an alternative. TYRENA: 1T'S TRUE TYRENA: -She's qu1et f0r a few m0ments, str0k1ng her head, tw1st1ng her f1ngers 1n her ha1r, curl1ng and uncurl1ng, lay1ng her head back and tak1ng 1n a deep breath thr0ugh her n0se.- TYRENA: Y0U W0ULD REGRET 1T TYRENA: ARE REGRETT1NG 1T TYRENA: HAVE REGRETTED TYRENA: Y0U NEED T0 REST, TH0UGH TYRENA: Y0U'LL HAVE THE CHANCE T0 MAKE 1T HAPPEN WHEN Y0U HAVE M0RE 0F Y0URESLF AGA1N TYRENA: 1T'S FUNNY H0W REAL1TY ALWAYS W1NS 0UT AGA1NST THE 1NF1N1TE P0SS1B1L1TY TYRENA: Y0U'D TH1NK 1T W0ULD BE 0UTNUMBERED RUTH: -She knew that everything would lead up to this, one day, and that maybe it might make up for the time. That maybe it would justify everything, somehow. But there's not enough to make that feel true, and she feels far too present for the first time in a long time, the way that she feels reminding her that she is still here as the universe moves. And Tyrena is right.- RUTH: I think, sometimes, I forget how much reality depends on all of us. TYRENA: 1 TH1NK, S0MET1MES, Y0U F0RGET TYRENA: Y0U C0ULD HAVE ENDED THE SENTENCE R1GHT THERE TYRENA: Y0U F0RGET H0W MUCH Y0U F0RGET WHEN Y0U ARE THE SMARTASS T0 END ALL SMARTASSES RUTH: Or maybe I just forget me. RUTH: Thank goodness you're here to remind me. RUTH: That is, surprisingly, not insincere. TYRENA: -Tyrena pr0ps her head up f0r a m0ment, reach1ng 0ver t0 0ffer her an0ther s1p 0f water.- TYRENA: 1 VERY MUCH ENJ0Y BE1NG R1GHT AB0UT TH1NGS TYRENA: H0W C0ULD 1 N0T >:0 RUTH: -leans over to drink- RUTH: I also enjoy you being right about things. RUTH: Especially when it makes other people angry. TYRENA: THAT 1S TYRENA: S0 TYRENA: MUCH TYRENA: FUN TYRENA: -She 1s sTAGGER1NGLY S1NCERE R1GHT N0W- RUTH: It tends to make some satisfying progress in just about every respect. TYRENA: WE HAVE A L0T 0F S0FT1ES AR0UND HERE >:0 TYRENA: S0MET1MES THEY NEED A F1RE UNDER THEM! TYRENA: AND USUALLY THEY ARE H1LAR10US WHEN THE1R ASSES ARE 0N F1RE RUTH: -disregards bottle in favor of curling closer and wrapping arms around Tyrena, SPEAKING OF SOFTIES HA HA- TYRENA: -She manages t0 set the b0ttle d0wn, 1gn0r1ng the cap as she's bas1cally subjected t0 EVEN M0RE HUMAN.  Her 0ther arm c0mes t0 wrap ar0und her, and she sn1ffs.- (y0u're cute and 1t makes me s1ck, just s0 y0u d0 n0t f0rget) RUTH: -she curls up just a little more, and it's probably more bashfully than anything. Not that she'll say as much.- (Yes, well. I will be certain to curse you as chronically as possible.) TYRENA: -She leans d0wn and sm00ches her sl0pp1ly R1GHT 0N THE HEAD, tr1ll1ng s0ftly and cl0s1ng her eyes.- RUTH: -LIGHTLY BAPS AT HER in an incredibly lazy protest before just squeezing her closer and doing the same-