zombies don't like tea and are not valid

[happydreamed]

Who: Heart Soldier and guests
Where: Heart Soldier dorm
When: Day 486 afternoon, after the game

[we deal with trauma the same way we deal with everything else: by drinking tea until we calm down]

Comments

[leaveofabsence]

I must admit I am more of a heat sink than a heat source.

[happydreamed]

I would still hug you if ever you wished, but I understand.

[leaveofabsence]

I'm sure I will eventually take you up on such an offer.

[happydreamed]

What else are unitmates for?

[leaveofabsence]

Pleasant conversation. An exchange of cultures and traditions and life experiences. An opportunity to explore the world through different eyes.

And most importantly, good company in good times and bad.

[happydreamed]

...Well, yes. But sometimes good company includes physical comfort.

[leaveofabsence]

Ah.

Would you like a hug now?

I would feel a bit foolish asking for one myself since I did not participate in the game.

[happydreamed]

[Hugs him. That's a yes.]

[leaveofabsence]

[ That's a yes.

Zhongli does not say much of anything. Just squeezes doctor tight.

Yanno. Dragon things. ]

[happydreamed]

[Squeeeeze.]

Thank you. I... truly, thank you.

[leaveofabsence]

It was a cruel game. And it can be hard to accept kindness for yourself when others around you have suffered more than you.

But you also deserve that kindness.

[happydreamed]

I survived, so it could have been much worse. But - seeing Aliza die in front of me - no, knowing that Aliza's focus was shot because of her desire to protect me and then seeing her die painfully-

[Hides his face in Zhongli's shoulder.]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He pats his back, slow and steady ]

. . .

It is a cruel outcome that leaves you with no relief. You do not wish to dishonor the sacrifice she made for you out of the love she has for you. And yet the other option is to acknowledge her pain as an acceptable outcome.

[happydreamed]

Objectively I know that Aliza seeing me die would have been worse for her. In the same way that seeing her die was worse, to me, than being killed myself. We are too alike that way.