Array 112 [Voice]

[bloodseal_soul]

Brother, are you coming up for dinner? You can't hide yourself away forever -- gosh I need to clean this room --

[Silence, followed by a shattering sound.]

Brother...?

...

... E-Ed...?

[A soft, breathless, painful-sounding sob.]

I-I couldn't... no...

Y-YOU JERK, YOU SAID YOU'D NEVER LET US GET SEPARATED! YOU SAID WE'D LEAVE TOGETHER, WE'D

Comments

[Voice]

[purifyingspirit]

[She came to see if he was alright but there were already people there... She's only been here for a short time and Al's been here for so long. They must be people he's known longer. It's probably better they're there. Still, she can't just sit by, not after he's done so much for her already so she sends a simple message.]

Al... You're not alone, okay? Don't forget that. You're not alone, no matter what happens.

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[purifyingspirit]

[Kagome sits down and wraps her arms around him, hugging him tightly.]

Because none of those friends can replace your brother. After what you've told me about him, I don't think anyone could come even close to being anything like him for you... It's okay to be sad. Someone who's very important to you is gone now. But that doesn't mean you'll never see him again. You might go home one day... or he'll come here again... He might be different, but he'll still be your brother. And you know what?

[She pulls away a little to give him an encouraging smile.]

I think that with the strong bond the two of you have, you'll be together again before you know it. And in the mean time, your friends will be here for you. We'll help you get back up on your feet and keep going. The only thing you can do is hold on to that hope that you'll see him again. I think everyone needs that hope here...

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[bloodseal_soul]

[The tight hug is more than welcomed. Though his arms are filled with Usa-chan, he can lean back into it and put his cheek on her shoulder. Kagome's very good at hugging. Soft, warm, strong.

By the time she's finished speaking, he does have a tiny smile on his face, and he manages a small nod, even past the red-rimmed eyes and stuffy noise.]

... yeah, you're right...

[Offline]

[purifyingspirit]

[There. She finally got him to smile, even if it's only a little bit and she can't help but smile softly in response. She doesn't say anything after that but doesn't loosen her hold at all, just sitting there and hugging him until he asks her to let go or says something.]

[Offline]

[bloodseal_soul]

[For a time it might seem like he's about to fall asleep on her, he's so quiet, though he doesn't ever quiet relax. It feels sour, somewhere deep down in his stomach, and he wants so badly to be okay for Kagome, but he can't. Despite the comfort, he still hurts.]

... he'll be back.

[Offline]

[purifyingspirit]

You'll see him again. And when you do, I know he'll be proud of you for being so strong while he's been away. Continuing to live is being strong, even if hurts.

[Offline]

[bloodseal_soul]

... you think he will be?

Proud, I mean?

[Offline]

[purifyingspirit]

[Her voice is firm but also gentle.]

I know he will. There's nothing not to be proud of. You're a good person, Al.

[Offline]

[bloodseal_soul]

... mmn.