post-dungeon regroup

[discutio]

[Obviously, they had to pull back and recover; Phoenix thought it would be best to head to the pseudo-headquarters in Invidia and settle back into the mansion to recover as well as consolidate what they all knew. There was a lot to get through, and a lot of recovery to be done by some of them. He'd need to talk to Etoile, thank Ariel, thank Medic again--]

[...But for now, he just about immediately collapsed on a couch and decided he would exist there for a while. You're on your own for food this time, kids.]

Comments

[alcahest]

[ the tension bleeds out of her slowly, and while she doesn't lean her weight on him, she does relax — though it may be exhaustion catching up with her, now that she isn't supported by her high-strung nerves. ]

... I'm glad that she didn't take your memories too.

[discutio]

…He’s going to be fine, Mona. We’ll figure something out, I’m sure of it.

[alcahest]

[ her head shakes, as much as it can when she's tucked in against him. ]

I'm not the one who's hurt most by it. Chiron remembers almost everything about me — and selfishly, I'm relieved by that, but... You're hurting, aren't you?

[discutio]

Only a little, really. I’m just relieved he’s still with us, more than anything else—and it’s hardly selfish to think that way.

[alcahest]

Only a little... But it does still hurt. You can be happy that he's here and sad that he's forgotten at the same time.

You... don't have to be the person who's always alright, Phoenix.

[discutio]

...Someone ought to be, Mona. The rest of us need that much.

[alcahest]

[ she pulls back from the embrace and holds Phoenix's face between her gloved hands. her frown is stubborn. ]

But it doesn't always have to be you. We can take turns.

And right now it's my turn, so you can't have it.

[discutio]

Oh-

[...That was certainly hard to argue with.]

If...if you insist.

[alcahest]

I do.

So you can focus on resting and not worry about anything else. Nobody will think any less of you.

[discutio]

[Phoenix rested a still faintly scarred hand over one of hers, managing a slight smile.]

I suppose that you do have me there, don't you? I've no argument to put forth.

[alcahest]

Uh-huh. And since I'm the victor, you have to do whatever I say.

[discutio]

Are those how the rules go? Well, I've no doubt you're correct.

[alcahest]

That's how it is.

[ she's trying very hard not to laugh. Mona is absolutely not a good actor even when it's in good fun. ]

My first demand is that you have to sit on the lounge and drink your coffee.

[discutio]

Very well. [He untangled himself from Mona, leaning forward to plant a light kiss to her forehead as he got up and sat down on the couch.]

...Thank you for looking after me. I didn't wish to worry you.

[alcahest]

Even if you try not to worry me, I'll worry anyway.

[ since he's upright now and she doesn't have to ask him to make room, she gets up herself to sit beside him on the couch. ]

Would you like me to keep you company...? I can think of something to talk about that isn't sad. Or is there something else I can bring you?

[discutio]

I wouldn't mind your company at all, Mona. You're welcome to stay as long as you wish to.

[alcahest]

Alright.

[ he can't see her smile, but her voice is very warm. ]

Have you already gotten another memory back this time, Phoenix? Or a new ability?