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

[reallyfishy]

I really do.

[His answer is prompt and completely serious. He wants to make it clear that he's not just saying pretty words to make Tenn feel better.]

Even those who don't walk the straight n' narrow can still be good people.

[incompletely]

...

[ He's quiet as he considers this. ]

It's hard for me to wrap my head around that. As an idol...I couldn't ever dream of hurting my fans like this. But...

[ But he's done a lot of wrong in his life, too, he's coming to realize now. He looks like he's struggling to figure out what to say next, and eventually, something does come out: ]

I get it. And if you think she did care... I'll -- I'll just have to try to believe in that. Even if what she did to Ichimaru-san was inexcusable.

[reallyfishy]

Guess it's just my experience workin' in the guilds talkin' fer me. Things there just don't operate the same as a lotta places, I've gathered. It's probably a totally different world than the one of idols.

[Let there be an idol guild someday, though.

But more seriously, he's glad to hear Tenn coming around.]

Atta boy. Hope's a much better look on ya.

[He's still kind of surprised that he's even going out of his way to try to instill hope in this kid, but that's something he can think about later. Or not. Not thinking about this stuff is always way better.]

[incompletely]

It sounds like it's different. But...after being here for some time, I've been doing some thinking. ... Hamelin's game preys on desperation. So...this situation is really bringing out the worst in people, too. People are probably thinking and acting in ways they normally wouldn't.

[ Including himself.

That aside, though, he does seem to brighten up a tiny bit at Raven's compliment. ]

Hmm. I like to think it is, too. ... I don't want to let this place destroy me any more than it already has.

[reallyfishy]

Yeah, that's exactly it. This is a situation that puts extreme pressure on everyone involved. Not everyone's used ta that, and not everyone can cope. I'm still pissed at Hamelin fer bringin' so many kids inta this...

[That's not to say that all adults can withstand this kind of pressure either, but it just seems particularly cruel to bring children into this.]

I don't want that fer ya either. You've been through more than enough.

[incompletely]

Raven-san...

[ He lets out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. It's soft and a little shaky. You've been through more than enough. ... He really has, hasn't he. ]

I won't give up. No matter what happens. I have to keep going -- and you do, too.

[reallyfishy]

[Raven smiles at that.]

Oh it'll take a lot more than this ta bring this old man down. I'll be fine, and I know you will too.

[Obviously he can't promise that, but he's doing his best to keep spirits up all the same.]