[ empathy is a strange emotion. the release that comes with seeing someone like him, someone so dear and precious to her, weep like this before her hits angela like a bat to the face. her other hand comes up to cup his cheek, to let his tears rain down over her metacarpus like baptism waters. her amygdala shudders. she's almost afraid to hold him too close, to listen to his voice. as if this were a confessional, she speaks again, eyes watery and gaze misty as his face, hollow and empty, swirls and blurs like melting watercolors before her. ]
It's been thirteen years... a human mind doesn't remember as well, but it's almost to the day now, isn't it? [ another beat passes, an echoing sort of silence full of absolutely nothing but them two in their aging agony and grief. ] Roland. I'm sorry, too.
[ she is silent for a moment longer before blinking and looking away, down, ashamed. ] Even though my wish came true... the first thing I ever felt as a human was regret. This body lacks meaning without the person who fought with me by my side.
[ a sparkling resolve lights up her face for just a moment, her voice quick and cutting. ] I've seen enough.
[ she pauses a moment, her taloned fingers flexing on his cheeks, watching him sob. ]
[ he relishes that comfort — nuzzles his face into her embrace, trying to capture every inkling of her warmth. her touch was real. different, but real. ]
I don’t know how the hell this happened, [ his palm settles over her black hand, and his fingers clasp around it as if to hold her against him. ] But I’ll be thankful for this miracle, this one time… [ his breath hitches on the verge of a sob — but he stops himself, and musters the strength to smile faintly. a light that has been smothered by the darkness, but has been revived with the smallest of embers. ]
…It’s been less time for me. I just… [ a breath. ] Lost my mind is all. But you’ve… you’ve been alone this whole time. [ again. he left her to be alone again. and despite everything — she forgives him. wants him. ] … I’m here now, Angela.
[ it takes her a moment to consider it, how he's here despite it all. to one another, the other is dead, killed by their own hands... for revenge, for freedom, to not be held down. in her silence, however, she accepts it as much as he does. this miracle is something they could only have now. ]
The library brings those here who are searching for something. A wish great enough to span time and space. I wonder what it would look like? [ like this? is implied in her tone. ]
You asked why I smiled. [ her hands fall, fingers curling gingerly. she's become human, but something else, too. a star; something grander than anything and yet... ] ...If I had the chance to do it over... that's what I would have done. Smiled, and accepted your anger. It was the only way to ask for forgiveness.
[ even now, she thinks, maybe that is the only way. ]
I should have known better, [ he speaks through a labored breath. ] I knew -- that killing you wouldn't have done anything for me. But I was afraid. Afraid that the pain and joy would have meant nothing if I didn't. I was a... [ he clenches his jaw, eyes lowering. ] Fucking idiot. I should have forgiven you. Maybe we... should have forgiven each other. But I guess that's why we're here now, huh?
[ roland finds his footing, stumbling backwards and rising up on his heels. he extends a gloved hand -- beckoning it towards angela. with what little strength in him that remains, he cobbles together just enough for the corners of his mouth to curl upwards, eyes softening. ]
Not sure what we should do but... you're human now. Might as well make the best of it.
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croftmanor2022-06-11 10:53 pm
no subject
It's been thirteen years... a human mind doesn't remember as well, but it's almost to the day now, isn't it? [ another beat passes, an echoing sort of silence full of absolutely nothing but them two in their aging agony and grief. ] Roland. I'm sorry, too.
[ she is silent for a moment longer before blinking and looking away, down, ashamed. ] Even though my wish came true... the first thing I ever felt as a human was regret. This body lacks meaning without the person who fought with me by my side.
[ a sparkling resolve lights up her face for just a moment, her voice quick and cutting. ] I've seen enough.
[ she pauses a moment, her taloned fingers flexing on his cheeks, watching him sob. ]
...because I am certain you will never leave me.
no subject
I don’t know how the hell this happened, [ his palm settles over her black hand, and his fingers clasp around it as if to hold her against him. ] But I’ll be thankful for this miracle, this one time… [ his breath hitches on the verge of a sob — but he stops himself, and musters the strength to smile faintly. a light that has been smothered by the darkness, but has been revived with the smallest of embers. ]
…It’s been less time for me. I just… [ a breath. ] Lost my mind is all. But you’ve… you’ve been alone this whole time. [ again. he left her to be alone again. and despite everything — she forgives him. wants him. ] … I’m here now, Angela.
no subject
The library brings those here who are searching for something. A wish great enough to span time and space. I wonder what it would look like? [ like this? is implied in her tone. ]
You asked why I smiled. [ her hands fall, fingers curling gingerly. she's become human, but something else, too. a star; something grander than anything and yet... ] ...If I had the chance to do it over... that's what I would have done. Smiled, and accepted your anger. It was the only way to ask for forgiveness.
[ even now, she thinks, maybe that is the only way. ]
no subject
[ roland finds his footing, stumbling backwards and rising up on his heels. he extends a gloved hand -- beckoning it towards angela. with what little strength in him that remains, he cobbles together just enough for the corners of his mouth to curl upwards, eyes softening. ]
Not sure what we should do but... you're human now. Might as well make the best of it.