AFTERPARTY III: Never Have I Ever Been Quite This Drunk

[mirrite]

[There's absolutely nothing celebratory about this drinking party. "Party" isn't even the right word, not really-- it's more like a "drink until you forget and/or black out" session for anyone who wants to participate, and even the bartender isn't immune from that much. Please forgive him if your drink isn't mixed quite right; he's trying his best under the circumstances.

There's food, too, if anyone wants to attempt to stave off a hangover tomorrow, or just get something in their stomach after the events of the day: stirfry from Makoto, vegetable soup from Nageki (mediocre, but hey, a genuine effort was made and that's what counts), and some tea for those who would rather abstain from the harder stuff. (Is that even many people tonight? Probably not.)

Come on by the bar if you're hungry or want a drink, or even if you just don't want to be alone right now. That much, at least, is something that can be guaranteed tonight.]

Comments

[incompletely]

[ His instinct is to tell Yeager he's not in the mood to be humored, but judging by how Yeager approaches him, Tenn can tell that's not his intent, here.

He stops where he stands and, while he doesn't face him, he'll nod. ]

Sure.

[scythegun]

[Approaching this in a delicate manner would certainly be better, but he said he wouldn't waste Tenn's time, so.]

I imagine today's been very difficult for you. I wanted to thank you for doing your best to assist with the trial, and I wanted to say that I'll be available to help you with your training whenever you'd like.

I don't have anything to say that will help with this, unfortunately. There isn't an easy way to recover from someone betraying your trust like that.

But should you ever want to a distraction, I can certainly provide that.

[This is something Tenn is going to have to work through on his own. He's going to have to decide who to trust and how much to trust them moving forward. But Yeager doubts Tenn needs to hear that, so he'll offer what he can - something else to focus on, even if just for a little while.]

[incompletely]

[ He lets Yeager say his piece, and there's a quiet moment that follows. It's not too long, because Tenn finds himself giving Yeager a fiery look and a firm nod. ]

Monday. I'll train with you.

[ He's committed to this. Yeager is right in that Tenn needs to figure out who to trust and how much to trust them on his own. It's a hard lesson he's learning, but it's one that he hopes will carry him through this wicked game.

He's not sure how much he trusts Yeager yet. He knows it's not a whole lot, compared to others, but it's enough for now. Even if he doesn't want to trust anyone. ]

[scythegun]

Of course~ Oh, and I have obtained my weapon, if you wanted to get a look at that too!

[Another distraction! In the form of something deeply stupid and extra.]

I trust you'll take care of yourself in the meantime?

[He doesn't have to worry about that, because even if Tenn won't, someone else will be there to look after him. But even so he's going to ask, because it's... important. He's not entirely sure why, but it is.]

cw reference to suicidal ideation but he's fine

[incompletely]

[ ...This really is deeply stupid but you know what, he'll entertain it. ]

I would like to see it, yes.

[ Every second we get one step closer to metal gear Tenn.

Anyway -- to answer Yeager's question, Tenn looks a little uneasy again, but he settles on a nod. He isn't intending on giving himself up, because even if people have betrayed him and Riku over and over again, he wants to make it out of here alive. Even if he doesn't stand a chance. ]

I will. I'll do my best to, anyway.

[scythegun]

Of course~ I'll be sure to bring it on Monday.

[At the uncertain nod, Yeager responds with one of his own. It's confident, self-assured as always.]

Good, I'm pleased to hear it. I didn't think I'd need to worry about you, but I'm glad to have that confirmed!

[It's light, but not the usual over-the-top and carefree tone.]

[incompletely]

[ He notices that somewhat, and he decides to let Yeager in on something. It's not really a secret, but -- ]

I don't plan on dying here.

[ Despite everything, he's not giving up. Even if he gives up on others, he refuses to give up on himself. On Riku. ]

[scythegun]

I'd be a bit surprised if you did.

[After everything, it really would be kind of silly, wouldn't it...?]

I'm pleased to hear it, though.

[incompletely]

[ A nod, then: ]

I'm not giving that bastard what he wants.

[ look at tenn he's rude now!! (well. even ruder.) ]

[scythegun]

[who let tenn be even more rude!!!!]

I'm glad you haven't forgotten - but I didn't think you would. After all, tearing ourselves apart won't change things any; at the end, he's the one we need to focus on.

[Not that it'll stop the murders, because wishes are far too powerful to ignore. But it can be remarkably easy to forget that we've got a bigger threat than each other to worry about.]

[incompletely]

Glad we're on the same page, then.

[ He's surprised to hear this from Yeager, but you know what, he agrees. ]

...Yeager-san, I want to ask you to help me with something. Privately.

[scythegun]

[...Oh? That's interesting.]

I'll hear you out, certainly.

[Let's head off to a PC...!!!]