[open RL]

[aquaticrush]

*Retasu is still reeling. She hasn't been talking much since she saw everything. You can find her in the temple, heavily guarded just in case, sulking in her Felt dress and hugging herself.*

...um, hello.

(This is an open RL! Anyone who wants to come yell at Retasu or just talk to her is welcome. Threadhopping very encouraged.)

Comments

[heavenlyhome]

[The moment stretches as Kasumi loiters at the other end of the table. Retasu hasn't eaten nearly enough, even if it is understandable, this lack of appetite. Kasumi debates moving closer, doesn't want to frighten her more, but concern wins out with her inching almost to her side.]

...please eat it while it is hot.

[aquaticrush]

Thank you... *Retasu eats a little more and looks up at Kasumi.* If you don't want to be around me, you don't have to.

[heavenlyhome]

That isn't-- [Kasumi stops herself, considering her words.] I wish it was not like this. That it had not worked out this way. You don't deserve this, Retasu-chan.

[aquaticrush]

But I did something horrible, Kasumi-san. I shouldn't have believed him.

[heavenlyhome]

You weren't trying to hurt anyone. You did what you thought was best.

[aquaticrush]

I know, but...

[heavenlyhome]

You know better now. I'm sure you wouldn't do it again.

[aquaticrush]

I won't listen to him anymore. I just thought... it would make everybody happy, Kasumi-san.

[heavenlyhome]

I know, dear. You just want to help. [Kasumi covers her hand, lightly, with her own.] We just want to help you too. Make sure that everything is all right.

[aquaticrush]

Th-thank you. You're all being so nice to me...

[heavenlyhome]

You're our friend. Of course we are.

[aquaticrush]

...thank you, Kasumi-san. I'll never do it again.

Um... what do you know about what happened?

[heavenlyhome]

I spoke with both Issei-kun and Kefka-san. As for the disks... Rose-san and Jade-chan explained things. They are playing the game right now, you know.

[aquaticrush]

I should have known what it really did.

[heavenlyhome]

You couldn't have.

[aquaticrush]

I don't deserve this. Even Issei-san said he didn't hate me, and look at what he put himself through because of this.

[heavenlyhome]

He's made his choices. The past can't be changed now, dear. We know. You understand. There is only this [pause], this situation we need to get through.

[aquaticrush]

I don't know what to do now.

[heavenlyhome]

Take one step at a time. Once the others are sure of you, home is first, I think.

[aquaticrush]

R-right. I don't want to impose upon Issei-san.

[heavenlyhome]

[That's not what she meant.] ...where would you be the most comfortable?

[aquaticrush]

What's wrong, Kasumi-san?

[heavenlyhome]

[It takes her a moment to respond.] I hoped you'd know. It is no burden on Issei-kun. You are his dear friend... even though you are being kept like this. He simply wishes to keep you safe.

[aquaticrush]

I know. Even though I don't deserve it.

[heavenlyhome]

[But you do, she wants to say, even though she knows the girl has trouble believing it. Kasumi settles for squeezing her hand gently.]