itscurtains | The sky shines differently today than it did yesterday

The sky shines differently today than it did yesterday

[Perhaps to the surprise of no one, there is no after party after that trial. Two children were dead. Two children were dead over a simple accident and the Wizard cared more about himself than anyone else. But they won't give up, they can't give up. They had to keep fighting until everything's been set right.

At the Lobby ofrenda later that night, there are six origami pieces accoupling the other memorials. A penguin, a rose, an octopus man, computer, a music note, and the last one are of a boy and girl holding hands. Along with that there is a plate of strawberry cupcakes with blueberry icing and a note that reads:]

There is still hope and love in the world

Never let The Wizard make you think otherwise 💗

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[Until this point, Maya's done her best to avoid wine. She doesn't drink, has never drank, and it would do terrible things to her reputation. But... To hell with it, tonight. Everything hurts, and she would rather not think.

She takes a cup of the wine and downs it.]

[ See normally Orpheus would think a little bit about handing a teenager a cup of wine, but honestly it's... been a day. It's been a week. It's been a month. Still, though, he seems a little surprised by Maya just downing it like that. ]

Um, be careful. This stuff is stronger than it tastes, and it'll hit you all at once if you drink it like that.

[The taste hits her pretty hard. Sweet or not, it's still wine, still fermented something or other and that's... kind of unpleasant. She makes a face, before smoothing her expression out.]

Thank you, Orpheus-san. For both the warning and -- the kindness.

[ Orpheus gives a tiny half-laugh at that, because he's pretty sure he pulled the exact same face the first time he ever tasted wine. ]

It's a taste that takes some getting used to. But I thought it might... not make things easier, exactly? But. It might help.

[ He's not normally a drink-to-forget kind of person, but after what they all had to watch, maybe they could all use some help easing the tension and keeping their strength up. ]

Here is hoping.

[She hasn't drank before so... This could end terribly. For now, though, she just looks relieved to have something to distract her. Even if it is the awful taste in her mouth.]

Have you made it to the others yet?

[ Orpheus does kind of wonder if this is the best time to find out what kind of drunk Maya is, but that's her choice, so. ]

I've talked to a few people, but I'm still looking for the rest. I'm hoping I can check in with everyone at least once, though? Just... to see if anyone needs anything. Anything that I can do for them, at least.

That's good of you. You're --

[Her brow pulls a little. Her tongue feels a little fuzzier than usual.]

You're a good man, Orpheus-san. A kind man.

Thanks. I- I try to be.

[ He sighs, and sits down at one of the cafeteria's tables. ]

I know the world is hard, and that there are a lot of things that I can't fix. But I think it's important to be kind, and to do what little things you can to make other peoples' lives easier. Because if everyone did that, then maybe the world wouldn't be so hard.

There may be things you can't fix, but... For every life you touch, there is a change that is made. It's a noble effort.

I... wish I could say I was the same. Truthfully though, I was a rather selfish person before I came here.

Oh? But you've done so much for all of us. Looking out for and protecting us. I have a hard time imagining that.

It's kind of you to say but... Not true, at all. I only did it out of a sense of duty at first. Even now, I wonder if I only do it because I don't want to be the one hurt if something happens.

[ Orpheus just nods slowly, frowning a little as he thinks of what to say to that. ]

Well... whatever your reasons for it, I'm grateful? And I can tell you care a lot about the people here. Sometimes that - caring, being protective - can feel selfish, especially in situations like this, where people are in danger? Because it is about not wanting to be hurt if others are, in a way. But I don't think that's necessarily bad, or that it makes you a bad person.

[She's quiet as Orpheus speaks. It's clear that she wants to argue in some capacity but... she holds her tongue in the end.]

I appreciate the reassurance. I... have my doubts of course, but I am at least glad that you see me in such a way.

Right. I can't claim to know you better than you know yourself? But I trust you, and I think a lot of the others do too. It means a lot to me that I got to meet you.

I... hope I can live up to their trust, then. That I will not let them down along the way.

You will. [ he says, smiling gently, before his expression goes melancholy again and he looks aside. ] I know it's been hard. Finding out your friend went missing, and... what happened during the trial.

[ He breathes out, slowly. ]

That was terrifying, and tragic, and unfair, and while I'm glad you didn't go through with it, I... I understand what you were trying to do. It was selfish, but it was also brave and it was because you cared, and I don't think any of us were really thinking straight. Who could, at a time like that? So. I'm not upset. And I don't trust you less for it.

[It's probably the liquor, what strikes her so heavily. Certainly nothing to do with the words, or the toll they take on her. It's definitely not something that she knew she needed to hear.

And she definitely doesn't feel the need to step forward and give Orpheus a hug. She certainly doesn't, and that certainly isn't what happens.

No, definitely not.]

Thank you.

[ Whatever does actually happen, Orpheus will reach out to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ]

Of course. This is hard but we're - together. And we'll do everything we can to stop this from happening again.

[ It rings a little hollower, now, after it's happened so many times, after they've lost seven of their number. But Orpheus still has conviction in his voice as he says it, because hope is all he has. ]

We'll get out of here. And we'll find your friend. And we'll stop the Wizard or anyone that comes after him from doing this to anyone else.

[They are definitely hugging (or at least Maya is hugging him). She's had a long hard day and needs a break(down).

My apologies, Orpheus-san. I am sure you don't need to deal with my grief on top of everything else.

[She takes a few steps back, along with a few steadying breaths along the way.]

[ No that hug is absolutely mutual for as long as Maya wants it to be. He'll let her go when she steps back, though. ]

No, it's okay. I'm happy to listen. It's the least I can do, at a time like this. I want to be here, for all of you.

We are lucky to have you, at least in as far as anyone can be "lucky" in this place. Not that I am pleased to have anyone here.

But I should not keep you from the others. Not when you are doing such good work.

Thanks. I'm just... I'm doing my best. If you're sure you'll be okay, I'll go for now, but you don't mind if I come and check on you again later, right?

[ It... seems like she might kind of need it. ]

It's not bad or a sign of weakness to admit you need help, sometimes.

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow

But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on

Edited 2021-07-02 04:01 (UTC)

[She sways just a little, maybe to the music or maybe just because her balance is shot. But she looks... certainly better than she did a few minutes prior.]

For it won't be long
Till you're gonna need
somebody to lean on

[She starts to take a step back.]

I... Will be in the Nurse's office tonight, I think. Or outside. Somewhere that is not Broadhurst. Not today.

[ Orpheus nods, solemn and understanding. ]

I'll see you there. Be sure to drink plenty of water? I don't think you drank enough to get hungover, but it's good to do just in case, especially if you're not used to alcohol.

Mm, yeah. [She gives a nod.]

I always do. But thank you.

[She gives a little bow. Stumbles in the process but... rights herself and scurries away.]

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The sky shines differently today than it did yesterday

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