imeeji_frontstage | (no subject)

If you want.

I wasn't even in that game but I still got points for it. Seems really unfair. Least I can do is use them for something like this.

[Shakes his head a little.]

Not your cost to pay.

Besides, I have some saved up.

Alright.

No hurry, though. I'm not going anywhere.

[Nods, a little unsteady.]

[Then:]

...pep came through okay?

Yeah. Everyone was fine. It was Sunrise, Yugi, and Wednesday this time. They played the game and came out unscathed.

...okay.

Okay, good.

Yeah, I'm. Glad.

[rubs his face]

Um. I didn't get a chance to show you the other day, but we upgraded our bathroom. It's like a public bath now, with big communal tubs. So, if any of you want to soak in hot water for a while but don't want to deal with going all the way out to the onsen, you're welcome to come downstairs and use our baths.

It's not as scenic as the onsen, but it's a lot more private.

Might be nice. For later.

Any time you want.

Ah... We also have some sleep potions, if you want any. And Cloud Nine, which can help with nightmares. Just say the word.

[There's a longer pause, and he won't quite look Cobalt's direction.]

How does it work?

Cloud Nine?

It lifts your mood and makes you feel a little happier. It also kinda... turns off your negative emotions, so they can't affect you.

If it's used on someone who's sleeping, they won't have nightmares. My unitmates and I do it for each other after bad games.

Huh.

[That's not really a yes or a no. There's a careful kind of inflection to it; in fact, his body language has gotten more closed off the more people there are in the dorm.]

[He is very definitely not slumped the way he was before, but is sitting up a little bit more, now.]

If you're curious, I could show you...? Right now, while you're awake.

You could tell me to turn it off if you don't like it.

Maybe in a litttle bit.

[Read: maybe when there's less people around and he doesn't have to police his own reaction so much.]

Sure.

I can also help you to your room, if you'd rather try it there.

I have no idea how tired you are.

I'm pretty tired.

[...ugh. If he goes now, his bed's going to be gross, and then tomorrow when he still feels like death warmed over, he's going to have to do laundry, and even the thought to it makes him more tired.]

...I'd better clean up first.

Alright. Would you like a hand getting to the bathroom, or are you good?

I'm okay. I've got it.

[But it sure does take him a good ten seconds to work himself up to it and actually stand up.]

Alright. I'll just... wait out here, if that's ok.

Would you like me to get a sleep potion, in the meantime?

[Hhhhesitates.]

If you have any spares.

Yeah, we have plenty. I'll have them for you by the time you're done.

Um, is it okay if I borrow your phone to let myself back in while you're washing up?

Yeah... sure.

[Cobalt still has it, right? He's out of it enough that he doesn't quite remember, and looks over to confirm.]

[yeah, he still has it, here in his hand where Thorn can see.]

Thanks.

I'll go pick them up, then. See you back here after you clean up.

Sounds like a plan.

[He gets off the couch and heads for the door, glancing back once -- perhaps a beat too long -- before heading out.

The door clicks shut behind him.]