Week 9.

[trustharder]

WEEK 9 For the first time since your stay in the Vault began, no one died this week. That doesn't mean there weren't casualties among you, however – namely, trust, interpersonal relationships, and comfort in the group dynamic as a whole. Hopefully no one else pays the price for it. Saturday is given to regrouping and sleep; there aren't any bodies to be found on Sunday morning. You're safe for now – unless your dreams have told you otherwise... SURVIVORS REMAINING: 10

SUNDAY | MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY
[OOC: Welcome to week nine of Trustfell! Save your threads for coins; don't forget to submit your memory regains! There is no activity check this week!

THE FINAL INVESTIGATION BEGINS ON THURSDAY!
THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO REDEEM COINS!
The text and calling posts are still active, for the sake of contacting the jerk who's keeping you here, to be used at your leisure!]

Comments

[cherryblooded]

Good afternoon, Colress.

[On the other hand, Cherryblod actually seems to relax a little after seeing Colress.]

Holding up alright? How's your sleep?

[pokexplorer]

[He pauses again, running his hand along the railing of the stairwell.]

I am afraid to admit it, but I am feeling a bit conflicted at the moment. I did manage to get some sleep last night, however.

...Did someone fill you in on the remainder of the meeting?

[cherryblooded]

Was told about the punishment assigned to Black. Anything else important happen?

[pokexplorer]

Ah.

[He desperately wants to just leave it at that. He's not ready to potentially harm his relationship with someone else, especially Cherryblod. But he knows that's not the right thing to do. Everyone had secrets that needed to come out, and he is no different.

So with a shaky breath...]

I told everyone that I received an offer from the Kingmaker to do the very same thing that Black did. I ended up not accepting, but I cannot deny that the offer did indeed occur and I was considering it for a good while.

[cherryblooded]

Oh.

[Oh, indeed. Cherryblod's face falls, and he considers that for a few moments... before his smile reappears.

It looks genuine enough.]

Think it speaks more to your character that you refused, than it would if you'd never received the offer in the first place.

[There's nothing to forgive. He's proud of you, Colress.]

[pokexplorer]

[Cherryblod's reaction genuinely surprises the heck out of Colress. His eyes widen a little bit in confusion.]

Do you truly think so?

[He's incredibly grateful that Cherryblod doesn't seem hate him or anything, but... He hadn't really thought of it like that. He was stuck in the zone of feeling guilty for even considering it after all that has happened.]

[cherryblooded]

Of course. We've all considered doing things we'd regret - many of us here, things worse than spying.

[He'd rather be spied on than dead, personally speaking.]

The important thing is that you decided against it. There's nothing I hold against you.

[pokexplorer]

[He gives a slow nod at that. Oh, he definitely agrees there.]

I suppose what has stuck with me is at the time, I didn't believe that I would have any regrets. It...certainly goes to show how much things have changed, being together with you all for so long.

[It's so complicated to even think about. Bonds truly are far more complex than he can ever fully comprehend.]

You really are too kind to me, Cherryblod... Thank you. Truly, thank you.

[cherryblooded]

[Cherryblod smiles and clasps Colress gently on the shoulder.]

You've grown by being here. If I've played even a tiny part in that, then I'm honored.

[Cherryblod has affection for Colress as real as the affection he has for his Pokemon, although it's a different type.

Would it be strange to say he's proud of him?]

[pokexplorer]

[Colress is clearly having an Emotion here, but he isn't exactly sure how to express it so his expression comes off as more apologetic than anything.

He gives Cherryblod's hand on his shoulder a small pat.]

...If I've grown for the better, then you absolutely played a part in that. I can only hope to repay you for all you have done.

[Now more than ever, he sees the similarities between Cherryblod and Rosa. They've both taught him some pretty important things.]

[cherryblooded]

[Emotions are hard sometimes. Cherryblod keeps picking up people who have trouble with them, and he's endlessly patient with people who don't know what to do with their face.]

You can repay me by continuing to be my dear friend. That's all I ask of you.

[pokexplorer]

Of course.

[In the midst of his emotional whirlwind, he manages a genuine smile.

He's not a little misty-eyed too, what are you talking about? It's. It's been a really long last couple weeks, and they're catching up to him.]

That is something I am happy to do without even needing to be asked.

[cherryblooded]

[...Colress, really...]

Would it be alright if I hugged you?

[He'll understand if the answer is 'no' - that's why he asked. But he thinks Colress could use it. Or at the very least, he'd like to show his affection.

He's a huggy kind of person.]

[pokexplorer]

[The question surprises him a little. Now that is something he hasn't experienced in quite some time... He probably would've denied it or at least have been super awkward about it if it was earlier in their stay here.]

...Yes.

[But it isn't.

Maybe he does need this.]

[cherryblooded]

[Let one thing be said about Cherryblod: he may not always be the best at supporting people (as hard as he tries), or at not losing his temper when his buttons are pushed, or at a great deal of other things, but his hugs are second to none.

He's warm and gentle, with soft, gloved hands on Colress' back, and with his chin resting against Colress' shoulder. Of course, he's smiling.]

[pokexplorer]

[Colress gently wraps his arms around Cherryblod to reciprocate, bowing his head a little as he settles into the embrace.

...It's really nice. He definitely did need this.

As they stand together in silence for the length of their hug, Cherryblod may notice Colress' breaths hitch in his throat from time to time. But it's clear that he's trying to hold that back. He just can't do that in front of Cherryblod- not now, at least.]

[cherryblooded]

...It's alright if you let it out, you know.

[Cherryblod's voice is just as gentle as his embrace - trying to be soothing.]

I'm not going to judge.

[pokexplorer]

[There's a pause from Colress as he realizes that Cherryblod must have caught on. It's not like he's able to be subtle about it when they're so close, but still.]

...Perhaps when we make it through this, I will allow myself time for it.

[He hasn't had to do this in so long, he doesn't know if it's even the right time for it.

Why do emotions have to hurt so bad? Is it a side effect of forging bonds?]

Regardless... Thank you, Cherryblod. This truly is comforting.

[cherryblooded]

[He doesn't push the subject - it hardly ever works, and he respects Colress' wishes far too much.

Instead he just nods. When they're out of the vault, there'll be all the time in the world for tears.]

Any time you want, I'm here for you. - It helps me, too, and I don't mind.