attempt number twenty-six ♓ (written/action)

[autophoenix]

For everyone that knew him, Akihiko's gone home.

[ It's all she really needs to say. She's sitting it out on the floor of the room that used to be his with Koromaru. For the most part, she's cleaned up his things and put what's keep-able into a shoebox. The rabbit's foot from the lost room is among the items, of course

Comments

[spongetastic]

... You okay? [he knows she probably isn't, but it's a start to a conversation, hopefully]

[autophoenix]

[ She takes a minute to clean herself up and put on a happy face, regardless of the fact that he can't see her, before she responds. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. I just want to get Koromaru taken care of and ... [ God, it hurts. Breathing hurts. It wasn't fair, it wasn't supposed to be Akihiko. ] I'll be okay.

[spongetastic]

Okay. You know where I am if you need me.

[autophoenix]

... Thanks, Peter. [ It's genuine enough. ] I might take you up on that.

action;

[ofmywill]

[ Good old intuition. It never failed him before, and won't now!

When Minato first heard this, it was like a punch to the gut, leaving him feeling entirely hollow- first Yukari, now this. Part of him is kind of angry at himself, for allowing himself to actually give a shit again and open himself up to getting hurt, but that part is firmly quashed down by cold, hard rationality. He needs to keep it together here, because the hurt in Claire's voice was far too evident. He was needed, so that was where he'd be.

Nobody hurts alone on his watch. So about ten minutes after that announcement goes out, he shows up with no fanfare, simply standing at the doorway with hands in pockets. Poor Claire. She looks wrecked. ]

...hey.

action;

[autophoenix]

[ When she hears him, she quickly lets go of Koromaru, who she'd been clinging to and petting, in favor of reaching up to wipe her eyes and straighten out her hair before looking up at him. ]

Minato. [ Her cheeks are still red and puffy from crying, but at least she looks slightly more presentable. ] Hey.

action;

[ofmywill]

[ Koromaru will trot on over to Minato and whimper up at him, big sad doggy eyes on full display. For his part, the boy just gives a little nod, bending down to rub the dog's head for a few moments before crossing over to Claire-- god, the room really is empty. Akihiko was always spartan in his decorating, but this...this is what it looks like when the castle erases someone. As if they were never there at all.

Words aren't important. Minato just sits on the floor next to Claire, sparing her one sideways look before just staring straight ahead again. ]

I heard. [ ... ] Sorry.

action;

[autophoenix]

I thought maybe he just wasn't on the same ship as me. That when we got back here, I'd see him again. [ She shakes her head, giving a watery chuckle at her own stupidity. ] I should be the one apologizing, you know. He was your friend before he was my -- [ Boyfriend. He never should have -- This was what she got for breaking down her walls. She got proven right. ]

[luthored]

Claire?

[ poor bb YOU GONNA BE OKAY? ]

[autophoenix]

I'm fine. I just ... I need some time alone.

[luthored]

...Of course.

[ a pause. she doesn't want to smother claire, but she doesn't just want to completely drop it, either ]

You know where I am if you need anything.

[autophoenix]

I know. Don't worry about me, I'll be okay. I just wanted to let everyone know.

[decibel_chamber]

Claire? You all right, luv?

[autophoenix]

Yeah, relatively. I'm good at being all right, remember?

[decibel_chamber]

Better'n, most anyway, but tha's not really what I meant.

Akihiko was a friend o' yours, aye? I know how it feels t'lose someone y'care about here. I've had me share.

[He's still not completely cool with being the only X-Man from his world left in the castle. Logan and Kitty may be familiar, but Jono knows that they aren't "his" Logan and Kitty. He misses Cessily more than he can admit to anyone.]

[autophoenix]

And I've had more than my share. I'm used to it by now. I know how this goes.

[hard_talker]

He has? .... Well, shit.

... Think he'll be happier, there?

[autophoenix]

[ There's a long, thoughtful silence. With his friends dead? ] ... No. No, I don't think he will. [ The fact that she doesn't know if she's happy about that or not makes her feel terrible. But a tiny, juvenile part of her is glad that he'd be better off back in Paradisa with her, because then she feels justified for being upset that he's gone. ]

[hard_talker]

Shit, shit, shit. [he sighs] ... He deserves better than that.

[autophoenix]

You're right. He does. [ A long silence. ] ... But, he's strong. He can take it. I don't think I told him that enough -- that I thought he was strong. But, he was. He was the strongest person I know.