well this is a depressing excuse for a party

[onthebusagain]

[Mid-day on Sunday, Heather goes around and slips notes under dressing room doors.

If you don't want to be alone today, there will be snacks and people in the Ballroom today

--Heather

She's even dotted every i with a little heart! How cute.

The dining hall is a way better location for a party (or whatever this is) with its close proximity to the kitchen, and more intimate space- but Heather doesn't want to be anywhere near that place. Not for a while, at least. True to her word, Heather's brought snacks- finger sandwiches, a few bags of chips, and a big pitcher of lemonade. There isn't much else set up, but the piano is still there, should anyone want to play.]

Comments

[sunshineprincess]

[She looks at Astarte and gasps, taking the other girls hands.]

Are you back?

[solomonjihad]

[Astarte takes her hands in a tight grip. Like, if she let go, she'd be adrift again.

She...she scared Anna, too. She can see it in her face, hear it in her gasp.]

I am. Anna...I...

[sunshineprincess]

I'm so glad.

[She can't help but give the other girl a hug. She was really worried when that demonic voice came out of her friend again.]

Everyone panicked when you changed.

[solomonjihad]

[To say that Astarte is startled by the hug is an understatement. She doesn't even know, really, what do to with it. For Anna to forgive her so easily, like this...

Slowly, her own arms wrap around Anna, and she buries her head into the other's shoulders.]

I...caused such a problem...

[sunshineprincess]

N-No, you didn't... you weren't yourself, but whoever it was helped a lot. I don'think we could have handled that trial so well if... I would have rather had you, but I'm glad you didn't have to see all that.

[One person was spared from the monstrosity of what had happened.]

[solomonjihad]

...I...

[What can she say to that? The other her had helped, but...]

No one was hurt, right? By the other me, I mean. I just...want to make sure.

[sunshineprincess]

[She shakes her head.]

No. Just shaken up. I don't think the other you would have hurt any of us.

[solomonjihad]

....Good. I...sometimes wonder.

[And now, its Astarte's turn to be shaken up. Ah, turnabout is fair play.]

[sunshineprincess]

[You get another, tighter, hug this time Astarte.]

I'm sure everyone is glad you're back to normal now.

[solomonjihad]

...Anna...

Thank you.

[sunshineprincess]

You don't need to ever thank me for something like that. We're friends!

[solomonjihad]

...friends...I...

[She looks bashful.]

I can't believe it. A friend.

[sunshineprincess]

Have you never had a friend?

[Well??]

[solomonjihad]

[After a rather long, long moment, she shakes her head.]

[sunshineprincess]

[Oh my gosh oh no

She takes Astarte's hands.]

Then I'm your first official friend!

[solomonjihad]

...Anna...

[Oh, oh, the room got a little blurry, and her eyes feel misty. Why? Why is it? Is this....joy? Oh, this is....its been a long time since she felt anything like it.

A real, genuine smile forms on Astarte's face.

NO]

This is so wonderful.

[sunshineprincess]

[She lets out a happy laugh, hugging Astarte tightly.]

You have such a pretty smile!

[solomonjihad]

[Oh nooooo, she hugs back.]

...I do?

[sunshineprincess]

You do! You should smile more often!

[solomonjihad]

...I'll try. To smile more, I mean.

[Ah, is this what it means to smile?...How long has it been since she felt this happy?]

[sunshineprincess]

[She may or may not be bouncing.]

And I'll do my best to give you reasons to smile.