(Untitled)

[not_riku_thx]

Shinji...

[His voice is a cold hiss, low, partially shivering from cold, partially shaking from barely controlled frustration. This is Prydain trying to hold it together, upon surveying the damage. And after several days, this is the final straw, he sounds of the verge of breaking.]

When this all clears up...hah- [There's a shuddering breath, a brief

Comments

[embracethewaves]

[Umi was probably up in the attic when Prydain got there, trying to dig Atoli out even if it's too late.]

L...looks like we've got our work cut out for us. Huh.

[not_riku_thx]

Go downstairs, Umi.

...In case this attic ceiling is weak too.

[embracethewaves]

I will. [...] In a minute.

[not_riku_thx]

I SAID GO DOWNSTAIRS!

[And that's a weak but distinct flare up of dark energy that rushes like ultraviolet static along his skin.]

[embracethewaves]

[She's about to argue, but she doesn't miss that sudden flash of energy. She's dead silent for a moment, and then--]

What's that supposed to be...a threat? Huh?! The only one that's gonna bring down the floor is you, if you keep that up!

[not_riku_thx]

Go, go, please Umi just-

If...If we'd all just stayed downstairs...

[He buries his gloved hands over his face, and turns his back to her.]

[embracethewaves]

[She's never seen him like this. Never. That's what scares her more than anything, because he's always been so strong through everything and he looks like he might break any second.

She can't feel her fingers anymore, and she's getting nowhere fast. So, slowly, shivering, she stands and takes a few steps closer, stopping when she's close enough to put a hand on his shoulder.]

W...we're gonna get through this.

[not_riku_thx]

[He nods, only once.

He's unsure what to say, swallowing, his voice thick and raspy when he tries.]

Please...lets stay together. Downstairs.

[embracethewaves]

[Giving up isn't her strong suit, but even she can't argue with that plea. Her fingers are frozen, she can't do much more anyway.

She pauses and then nods a little, moving to link an arm with his. Admittedly, part of that is that she's so cold she can barely move. The rest of it is, well -- you're coming whether you like it or not, at least to the floor below. The attic is a terrible place to be right now.]

Ye-- yeah.