[open & closed]

[inutilis]

WHO: Abel, sometimes Abel & Himeka, and maybe sometimes YOU!
WHAT: Post-rescue through Sekiseri catch-all! Some OPEN and CLOSED prompts will be included in the comments below.
WHERE: Greentruth, Godsblood
WHEN: Late August thru September
WARNINGS: Possible mentions to torture (past-tense, ty everyone 🥺)

Comments

[aquaveiled]

[ Likewise, Himeka puts a hand on the back of Yuya's head and begins to gently pet his hair. Himeka and Abel will work through their own pain, but neither of them are the sort to turn away from a friend who is clearly suffering, whether because of them or otherwise. ]

We kept thinking of everyone back here the whole time. As long as we didn't give up, we knew we'd be back to see you all again someday.

[ It was tenuous at times, yes, but in the end their hope held out true. ]

[hippocarnival]

[It's a bit reversed, isn't it? HE should be the one comforting them, but... he can't say he has quite as much hope in his heart. It's like he told Amos, though. Abel, Himeka--they're truly good people. And if anyone could stand up against everything Achamoth had to offer, it would be them. It was on everyone else not to fail.

(But they didn't... but losing Estinien was a failure.)

He makes a poor effort to clear his face, a small knot of guilt forming in his stomach. He looks up at Abel, specifically, but this isn't a conversation he feels the need to hide from Himeka.]

I'm... sorry I've been really avoidant since Venera. [The first visit. He assumes Abel must know.] It wasn't anything you did! I just didn't know how to deal with...

[With all the things about him that came out. And it was a little unfair to leave Abel wondering.]

[inutilis]

[ ah...

Abel's eyes soften further at this, and he's quick to shake his head to dissuade this. because as far as he's concerned-- ]

You don't need to say you're sorry, Yuya. That's... it was a lot for everyone, and sometimes it takes time to sort yourself out after something like that, you know?

[ and Abel of all people considers himself in no place to demand explanations nor ask questions about those and what they've endured, especially when those details had been brought to light against their will. ]

Himeka and I, the only thing that matters to us-- the only thing we care about right now, is... just-- trying to put the pieces together. And we'll be here to listen, if you decide there's something you want to talk about.

[ but neither would ever force him, goes unsaid. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ Something happened in Venera--plenty of things, of course--but something between Yuya and Abel. She knows not what it is nor is it really her business, but she does know that Abel's forgiving nature would never hold a grudge like that, not against a teenager doing his best.

Himeka continues to pet his hair in what she hopes is a soothing way. ]

There are things we wish we could change, but we can't. So...we'll do all we can for one another right now, yes? You have our support, Yuya.

[hippocarnival]

It's not... anything happy. [He shakes his head. Just more unforgivable things he'd tone, and how close to came to the same mistake. Maybe... another time, Abel deserves a little more clarity.]

You should be letting everyone take care of you first, after what you went through! And I do... owe you an apology for not treating you like a friend.

[inutilis]

Then... how about this?

[ Abel's offering him his free hand not slung around Yuya's shoulders; it is the same old hand as ever, even if it's bandaged at the wrists and a bit banged up. ]

Let's start over. Do-over, okay? We'll put it behind us, and... we're going to keep moving forward from here together from now on. There's no hard feelings, I promise... and when you're ready to talk? We'll talk. We can just spend some time together until then, mm...? Because, we-- we really did miss you.

[ all of them. the faces and bonds with their friends, their allies... it was one of the anchors that saw them through and returned intact, unbroken. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ They won't force him to speak of things he isn't ready to talk about--he can take his time. Whatever misunderstandings there may have been likely seem so small now in comparison to what's transpired. Starting over with a clean slate is more than warranted.

Himeka drops her hand to rest on the cot behind Yuya as she nods readily in agreement. ]

We're just grateful to be here now.

[hippocarnival]

... I missed you too--we all missed you two.[He reaches to take Abel's hand in both of his, forcing up a watery smile.

He wishes something like this would never happen again. But he already knows that's not true, because Estinien...]

So--let everyone take care of your this time, okay?

[inutilis]

[ it's hard; all of this is hard, but it's harder still to look into the eyes of those they've come to care for and see how badly this situation has pained them. Abel's fingers squeeze those of Yuya's, and he gives the boy's back a comforting rub. ]

Neither of us are going to complain about a little R&R, okay? We're here, and we aren't going anywhere... ready to laze about and soak in just-- being back where we belong.