☆13 [voice]

[skaterbrain]

[It's been awhile since they all returned from the draft. Beat spent most of that time being anywhere but home, not contacting anyone, not doing anything, but trying to figure out where she'd come back at and wait there. But he doesn't know, doesn't even know how much longer it'll be until she comes back. And eventually he knows he has to tell people where they've been.]

...she didn't make it. Ribbons, I know you got us that stuff, but...

...

'm sorry, guys.




I'm sorry, Rhyme.

Comments

[voice]

[godbent]

-Come again?

[voice]

[skaterbrain]

You heard me. I couldn't protect 'er and now she's gone.

[voice]

[godbent]

[Gone? What, she died? That's just messed up. She frowns to herself, feeling the weight of that fall down on her. She did all she could have logically, but-]

What the hell was she doing- [On the front lines? No, it clearly was a mess, just like in the Jungle] And that's why you've been gone.

[voice]

[skaterbrain]

....


[He knows. He knows he shouldn't have gone out there, but he'd thought he could protect her. He figured they could make it. He wasn't good at sitting still and they'd gone out and it'd all gone wrong. Beat's quiet for a minute, then grits his teeth.]

Yeah. S'why I've been gone.

[voice]

[godbent]

Makes sense. [She says that quietly and automatically before biting her lip. Shiki and Neku, no doubt, will do something for Beat, so-] Well, I guess I better have Neku go clean your room later today then.

voice;

[ex_tessen852]

Beat? Where are you? [Because you sound sad, and she's gonna give you a hug!]

voice;

[skaterbrain]

Out.

[Because he is. He's outside, and that's all he really cares to know. It isn't home where he has to face all the people counting on him to keep her safe; and where her empty room is.

He knows that's not helpful though, so after a moment, he'll add.]

...Outside. I can't go home.

voice;

[ex_tessen852]

Where outside? I'll come over. [And talk. Or hug. Or whatever.]

voice;

[skaterbrain]

...I dunno. I think I'm at one a' the lakes.

[He stares at the thing in front of him and yeah, looks like a lake.]

I wasn't really payin' attention to where I was going. Sorry, Sooks.

voice;

[ex_tessen852]

Don't be sorry. It's perfectly alright. Do you think you can make it to the tea shop? I'll make you some tea.

[voice]

[reminded]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[voice]

[skaterbrain]

...You was one of her friends here?

[voice]

[reminded]

A teacher. But a friend as well, yes. Hershel Layton is my name.

[voice]

[skaterbrain]

Beat. ...

[She always did like school. She'd always been better at it than him, so it makes sense that she'd make friends with her teacher.]

...thanks for takin' care a' her.

[voice]

[neverplaysfair]

She will be back.

[ It's the truth. But maybe it will also be some measure of consolation. ]

[voice]

[skaterbrain]

[Grk--! He doesn't know how to react to you of all people trying to console him, Joshua.

....But somehow it just makes him sadder.]

Don't make it any easier when she's gone though.

[voice]

[neverplaysfair]

[ Hey, Joshua cares for his Players. Even when they sock him in the face. ]

It should. As much pain as you're feeling, within a week it will mostly be gone. Under normal circumstances, those affected by a death are not so lucky. Even as you wait, it something to be grateful for.

[voice]

[skaterbrain]

[Totally earned it.]

...This some jab about yo' Game again?

Look, I know, aight? I know death ain't no big deal here, but she's gonna lose somethin' 'cause of me. Again. That ain't a pain that's gonna be gone in no stupid week.

Voice; Sora will be making an appearance too

[hero_of_smiles]

[Hey, he recognized that voice. They had talked briefly before the draft, and looking at the picture, he's talked to this kid before.


The news however, is not welcomed. Cross frowns deeply a bit hurt by the news. Not because he knew the girl, but because he couldn't prevent something he promised he would try and prevent.]

I'm sorry...

Voice; ; ;

[skaterbrain]

...Ain't yo' fault, Hero. S'on me. I didn't protect her when I shoulda.

Voice; ; ;

[hero_of_smiles]

Don't call me that, it's just Cross.

[He's no hero. Not after what happened.]

Still, I'm sorry. I said I'd help and I didn't.

Voice;

[skaterbrain]

....S'alright. Wasn't nothing no one could do. I just--

I shouldn't of taken her out there.

Voice

[heartisabattleground]

[What...no. No. Sora can't even fathom of what to say to that.

But, Beat's sort of his friend...and so was Rhyme. Even if neither remembered him. What can he say to Beat?]

You need company, man?

Voice

[skaterbrain]

...I ain't good company right now. Been keepin' away 'cause of it.

Voice

[heartisabattleground]

[Sora's not really sure what to do. This is the first time he's heard of a friend that died on a draft and coming back...]

It'll be okay...