the sum of our parts is greater, but a few of them might have been broken

[overworker]

[Immediately following the strange insanity that took place in the aftermath of that trial, Towa decides that enough is enough-- she has to attempt to do what she can do. For too long she's let herself be daunted by her own abilities or lack thereof... but she can't do that anymore. If she can support everyone, even in any small way, then she's going to do that now.

Before they're dismissed she calls out to the group--]

I'm going to prepare the lounge for a proper meeting. It'll take me a little bit to get everything set up but please... I want everyone to come. We have a lot to talk about and I don't want anyone shouldering this burden alone.

[And as soon as that's done, she gets to work. Coffee, tea, soup, cookies... she prepares a small, but fairly simple collection of foods as quickly as she can and works to make the space as comfortable as possible. It feels like a lifetime ago she did this the first time. A lot has changed but some things really haven't. If anyone would like to help, she certainly wouldn't turn away the help.]

Comments

[overworker]

If you tell me not to worry, that's just going to make me worry more.

[Sorry, that's just how she is. But she's not going to fault him. She's going to remain rooted and listen to him.]

...that's terrible. I'm so sorry... I can't imagine how hard that's been for you. But-- I'm glad you're alive. I'm really, truly glad that I met you.

[biddentodance]

Why does everyone here.....care so much, about me....?

[He cannot understand that...]

....was lucky. Extended family took me in. Lot of orphans have it worse...

[overworker]

I can't speak for the others but-- You cared about us, even though you didn't really have a reason to. Watching you want to protect everyone... I really admired that. It made me want to do what I could to support you in return.

That's all the "reason" I needed.

[biddentodance]

That's....really all it takes...?

[It's so....different. He supposes the pattern was already broken, with SEES somehow still trusting him despite everything, but...exception that proves the rule, right?]

People....usually get sick of me pretty fast. Send me away within a few months.

[overworker]

That's all it takes. And no one is going to send you away, or they'll have to answer to me first.

[Towa's hands finally feel comfortable letting go of him, and instead sit in her lap, twiddling with the fabric of her skirt-- an embarrassed twitch.]

Listen... I told you I wanted to take good care of that ribbon so you could give it back to me, right? Well... I want you to keep it.

[biddentodance]

[It's so strange. His own family doesn't care for him, doesn't want him, and they're right to. Why would anyone else? It makes no sense...but it does make him happy.]

You don't want it back? [She said to give it back when he could see that the others here really do care for him, just as he is. And he can't deny that now - he just....doesn't understand why, or how. It's mind-blowing.]

[overworker]

It is important to me-- I've had it for a long time.

[Not having it felt strange at first, but now...]

But it would make me happier to see you keep it. You know... like... a memento. Maybe then when you look at it you'd... remember me...

[biddentodance]

Glad I met you, Towa. Will always remember you.

[For...however long he has left. Something hurts, and not just at the thought of his limited future - he....doesn't want Towa to be sad. She seems sad, and he's sure it's because of him. He's messed up--

No....he should do what he can to fix himself. To try and treat himself the way the other people on the train have treated him. Right?]

....don't have anything to give you in return, though.

[overworker]

[Goodness. Her face hasn't felt this warm since... unfortunately the trial earlier.

But he hadn't considered him wanting to give her something in return. She flushes and shakes her head.]

O-oh no, you don't need to give me anything. Really! You've already given me more than enough with those words.