Second Bowl (Backdated to Between-Act Break)

[ricebird]

[It’s late the next morning before a message goes out across the network. She and Varian had spent a long time last night baking and eating Linzer torte, talking about the homes waiting for them and the wonder they held, the future plans they have here and there, and just letting each other know how important their friendship is. It took longer after for Kotori to wake up, so hopefully everyone was alright on their own for breakfast.]

I hope everyone’s having a good day. I just wanted to let everyone know Varian went back to his world last night. He was able to say goodbye, though, and he said that if he can he’ll come back, but he has some things he needs to do in his world first.

[Still, even if it felt more like an “until we meet again” than a “goodbye,” the hope isn’t quite enough to fully buoy her mood. Some comfort will probably be nice, either through the journals or if you find her in the castle kitchens.]

Comments

[ricebird]

[Kotori nods, even as having that fact out in the air makes her weep a little harder.]

I-I know... I still have all of you, b-but...

[But it still hurts so much... She can't even finish the sentence as she starts sobbing in earnest.]

[tempredmental]

[Eek... He hadn't expected that. Oof. Uh... He cautiously reached out and put his hand on her shoulder.]

It's okay.

[Right?]

[ricebird]

[Kotori leans and turns a bit into the touch, eyes still closed as she cries. If she was more physically affectionate, she'd probably start clinging to Keith for a hug, but that might be on him to offer, if he wants to. For now, she just... needs to let all the grief out.]

[tempredmental]

[When she leaned towards him, Keith kind of figured that the hug would be next, but he hesitated when she didn't carry through. Huh... he supposed maybe he just was on a team of huggers. Either way, the idea was there, and maybe she needed it? Cautiously, giving her the chance to back out, he brought his other arm up and carefully pulled her the rest of the way in.]

[ricebird]

[She doesn't resist at all, arms still clutched to her chest but nearly burying her face in his shoulder and leaning a bit into the embrace. She might be there for a while, but... she is VERY grateful for the support.]

[tempredmental]

[Well, Keith wasn't sure just how long was an "acceptable" thing, so, at this point, he was just going to let her guide the moment. He'd wait for her to be ready to pull back, but he wouldn't force her to stay. He also was definitely not the type to say something, figuring he'd just say something unhelpful anyway, so he just held her in supportive silence for as long as she needed.]