i'll wait, so show me why you're strong

[ravagers]

[ Generally, people need time to cope and gather themselves after a... thing... like that. Unfortunately, that's not how Vanille sees it. Her thing is avoid, and once she gets out of that hellhole that's the courtroom, she makes her way to the supplies closet, then to the library. She spends some time setting up things, pushing things aside to make room. Once she's finished, and she's met up with the Party Brigade, she makes enough invitations for everyone. She slips them under everyone's doors, or hands them out if she sees someone walking around.



Inside the library, there are candles set up to provide some soft, comforting lighting. There are pots of tea, courtesy of Mercy, pancakes made by Viktor, and books (picked out by Estelle, of course) laid out on the surrounding tables. The others have provided their own touches, and Vanille's even managed to make something: sugar cookies, which are actually very good. They're flavored lightly with all sorts of flavors--not all in the same cookie, okay--and each plate is marked with whatever flavor she's put in them.

After a successful trial, it's healthy to indulge, right? Let's mingle. ]

Comments

[elepe]

[Lusamine was honestly just staring at the ceiling on her bed until she hears knocking--she's not really sure what to do at first, really, but...]

Who is it?

[ravagers]

It's Vanille. I saw your reply.

[elepe]

[There isn't a response for a couple of seconds--it's mostly to do with Lusamine thinking for a moment, before there's movement. She opens the door a crack, just for precaution and peering out]

Oh, so it is you. I...do apologize. Today has certainly been a day. [...] Is everything alright? Do you need anything?

[Her eyes go to the tea cup for a moment before going back up. She figures it's just Vanille carrying a drink for herself around while she takes care of matters.]

[ravagers]

[ She shakes her head. ]

It's alright. I know for some people it's better to be alone.

[ Vanille holds up the tray. ]

I brought this for you in case you got hungry or thirsty.

[elepe]

[...Lusamine blinks for a moment, kind of just...taken aback by that. She didn't even consider...]

I...thank you, Vanille. I hadn't eaten today...

[She opens the door some more, then, actually...managing some kind of smile. It's tired, but she'll move to lift the tray from Vanille's hands.]

...What happened today was a travesty. I'm so sorry you had to experience that.

[ravagers]

It's good I came by, then.

[ Vanille folds her hands behind her back, once she's relieved of the tray. ]

I'll be okay. [ But she doesn't sound too sure. ] I'm more worried about everyone else.

[elepe]

...You're liable to burn yourself out, at that rate.

[It's not harshly said, but it is honest. Lusamine pauses for a second after, though, moving back into her room to put the tray down at her desk.]

You're welcome to come inside if you like, but try to take time for yourself as well. I'd hate to see a sweet girl like you lose that sort of spirit.

[ravagers]

[ Yeah... people keep saying that. Vanille hesitates for only a moment before she steps inside. ]

Mm, I'll try. Honest. [ But it's easier to worry about others than it is herself. ] Lots of people here are kind... so I want to do my best, for them.

[elepe]

[All she can do is try to steer, if nothing else.

Lusamine's room is almost insanely tidy, like it hasn't even been lived in. There hasn't exactly been much of a chance to decorate or anything of the sort, but there's a stack of papers on the desk, and a couple of miscellaneous items from the storage stacked neatly in a corner.

Lusamine pulls the trunk over near the desk, and gestures for Vanille to sit at the chair. She's not rude, at least.]

And you are, I can assure you that much. Don't ever lose faith in that, sweet Vanille. As long as you stay true to who you are.

[She'll take a sip of the tea--and she seems to smile. Vanilla's such an excellent flavor, god.]

...It's just disturbing to think about. I had spoken to Ms. Ushiromiya prior, and she seemed like an incredibly intelligent, collected woman. To think that someone like her would go to such lengths, on a child, even...

[ravagers]

[ ... You know, she can't remember the last time someone treated her like this. Vanille had to grow up fast, and she... kind of likes it, actually, being cared for this way.

She takes a seat on the chair. ]

You don't have to worry about me not staying true to who I am. Promise. [ Even as hard as it is, sometimes... But. She manages the tiniest smile. ]

I didn't talk to her... but she always seemed so level-headed... [ She shakes her head. ] It's probably silly... but I didn't want to think any of us could do that kind of thing. Even when it was staring me in the face...

[elepe]

...I'm glad to hear it.

[Even in a situation like this, it's always good to see someone trying to keep an optimistic face. Vanille's incredible for that, in her eyes.]

We always want to think the best of others. That's simply in our nature, isn't it? But in a situation like this, it doesn't make things easier to swallow. It's...

[Lusamine honestly isn't sure what to think at this point. She just takes one of the cookies and bites into them--this'll be havoc on her diet but screw it.]

[ravagers]

[ She gets what Lusamine means, she thinks. Even now, it's all so unreal. Vanille watches her a moment, then tilts her head. ]

Well... I hope the cookie isn't hard to swallow.

[elepe]

[--Goddammit Vanille, that jolts her a bit before she manages to swallow the cookie. One she's done, she turns to Vanille with an incredilous look--but one very close to a smile.]

You did that on purpose.

[ravagers]

[ She giggles a bit as she tilts her head. ]

But it made you almost smile, so I think that's a win.

[elepe]

...So it is.

[That manages to make it come into a full smile.]

You really are wonderful, sweet Vanille.

[ravagers]

Well, you're pretty great, too!

[ She nods. ]

Y'know, I can see why he gave you "Maternal." It's a good pick for you.

[elepe]

[...That gives her a bit of a pause.]

You really think so?

[It seems to startle her. Not bad, but...definitely questioning. Especially after what happened.]

[ravagers]

Yep.

[ She falls quiet a moment. Then, a little sheepishly, ]

It's been a really long time since anyone's treated me like a mom's treated their kid. You and Hanyuu both've done that.

[ Another pause. ]

I guess I really missed it.

[elepe]

[Oh...]

Vanille...I had no idea.

[She pauses for a moment.]

I am...so glad that you appreciate it. It means a lot to hear that from a girl like you...so selfless, so wonderful. I...

[She shakes her head quickly, seeming to discard what she was about to say.]

Can you promise me something?

[ravagers]

[ Selfless... Vanille silently disagrees. But... she's not gonna say that. She's not gonna ruin Lusamine's night any more, not after the trial, not after she's made her smile. ]

A promise, huh? What is it?

[elepe]

That you will not allow yourself to get hurt in this place. And...that you will stay safe. I don't want to see something happen to you.

Can you promise that?