imeeji_frontstage | (no subject)

You're new to this, so I'm just gonna tell you: that would make it ten times worse.

I'm starting to think everything involving them is just...complicated.

But what about you? All that stuff in the memory...

It's--

[she pauses.

she doesn't know what it is.]

... I don't know. I know I had to do what I did? But at the same time, it.. it feels like I made a huge mistake. And I don't know why.

[because there is SO MUCH to unpack there. so just focus on the situation]

I think all you can do is try to get more memories. More context. I mean, that's obvious, but...

[ comforting people is easier when they have cat ears and just want their head patted.

but even just imagining what Adora must feel like right now... ]

Look, I may not know much about me or you right now, but... If you did it, whether there was a reason it was a mistake... You were stopping worlds from being destroyed. You weren't letting someone use you as a weapon. That has to count for something.

[oh. that's-- nice to hear. even if she's not sure]

Thanks.

A-Anyway, I think that takes away the mystery of who's who. So... Your turn?

Definitely a little more nervous about it now than I was before, but...

[ she taps on the screen of her phone thoughtfully. ]

Should I do one at a time so we can talk about it or both now?

Uhhh...

I did five in a row. It-- It was fine? But if they'd all been like that memory I just took...

Just. Just wait and see?

Right. One at a time, then.

[ with a deep breath, she purchases the first memory.

and it's...not awful. not nearly as bad as she was worried about.

if anything, once she comes back to herself, Adora is flustered.

she presses a hand to her chest like it will chase away the sudden light, giddy feeling taking over her at the memory of Sabre and their promise. ]

Oh, that was...I...understand now. Why that woman said that you loved them.

[sending Shadow Weaver to "Beast Island?" she isn't sure what to make of that and yet-- she's immediately distracted]

Woman? What woman?

Oh, um. Kind of short? Gray hair, a tail. She talked like she knew you.

[oh

uh. she looks at least a little visibly disturbed]

They're... strange. They-- killed Sabre multiple times in the Hotel. Then I... I, uh. I killed them. And told them to stay away from Sabre and Kohime. That... That might be what they're talking about.

They did what?

[ everything else forgotten for a moment, she surges forward into Adora's personal space. ]

Sabre was talking about being killed again and again. Was that--

Mostly them?

Yeah. Probably. I wasn't... I wasn't there every time. Sabre was fine the first time I saw her, but by the next time, she was completely possessed.

The way they talked, I thought you all were friends. Is that all they've done?

They... might have been possessed too. But still...

[inhale, exhale]

Sorry, that whole game was a mess. I'm not sure the right way to handle anything coming out of it.

But they might-- challenge you to a fight? They've told me they want a rematch. So...

Well, I'll fight them!

[ the rush of new emotions from the memory maaaay have her a little overzealous. ]

They... will probably take you up on that.

But it's a better idea to not fight.

Fine, but if they do anything to Sabre or Kohime or you...

[ clearing her throat. ]

Sorry. It was...a lot all of a sudden.

It was... a really bad game.

And Kohime and Sabre killed each other during it too-- lots of people just... completely lost their minds.

But if they do, I'll be right there with you, don't worry.

Right.

[ however, that's a matter for another time. ]

Okay, I'm going to get the second memory now. That other one wasn't bad, so...maybe this one won't be either?

[ but it is. it completely is. and by the end of it, Adora is doubled over on the bed, shaking and fighting between tears and hyperventilating. ]

[oh.

does-- that... does that mean that's a memory she has coming?

adora pauses for one brief second, and then moves forward without thinking about it to hug the other adora.

because that's what she'd want.]

She's... she's awful.

I-I should have done better. Should've tried harder, been better--

[ the words come to her without thought as she freezes in Adora's arms. ]

What-- What are you doing?

[maybe. maybe that was the case and yet.]

She's... always... like that. Shadow Weaver.

[adora doesn't like her but at the same time, she gets it. and then she pauses.]

I. I'm hugging you.

[ it's not that she doesn't know what hugging is. but physical affection has always been limited. even with catra, the little bit she's managed to remember, was a rough and tumble affection or just leaning into each other. never a full out hug. never something so blatant and visible.

it's. it's not bad. just-- ]

I, um. I don't know...what to do. Honestly. I don't think anyone's ever...hugged me?

[there are a lot of questions, and she pauses, mid hug.]

... Is it weird I don't feel like that's true, somehow...?

[a beat]

Um-- I guess. You just take... the hug?