[ DEPARTURE ]

[sheriffexe]

DEPARTURE

It's time to go. Most people are on the train by now. Settled into their cabins and among friends and loved ones. There are only three new arrivals left to board and once they do, Hal pulls a conductor's hat out from underneath the bar, tugs it on, and steps around it to the middle of the train. He opens his mouth to talk, voice filling the train. "It's time to go. Stops happen once a day until everyone's departed and I already have your stopped listed. If you'd like to be prioritized, let me know, otherwise we'll go in order of death. Settle in and enjoy the ride. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask, folks." This, of course, means that those who died earliest (Manfred, Higekiri) will depart first while those who died latest (Barnham, Damian, Percy) will depart last. There's a stop for everyone, though those who want to get off together are more than welcome to. Hal pulls a notepad and pen out of his pocket later and people will notice that he goes around the train confirming stops with everyone. Whatever feeling Hal may have had to a character back in town isn't noticeable here -- he is simply a robot assigned with a job. After that, it's all a matter of settling in and enjoying the ride. If that's possible for you, at least.

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Comments

[bittybat]

[It takes a moment for Damian to actually look at Jason. (He's looking at Jason in the reflection of the window.) His eyes drop down to the chicken, and then he reaches out to pet the back of its neck.]

Father won't forgive so easily.

[impulsiveness]

I don't care.

[His tone is firm, but there is still a stab of fear and pain and guilt in his chest. Damian is just a child. He's family. Jason knows what it's like to fear disappointing Bruce, but this is on a whole other level.]

You did what you had to do. You helped get us home, Damian. [He reaches out, placing his arm across Damian's back and gently tugging him into a hug. Jason will do most of the scooting over to avoid disturbing the chicken, though.] If... If Bruce won't forgive you for doing what was necessary, then maybe Bruce doesn't need to know.

[But Bruce has a way of figuring things out. They both know that.]

[bittybat]

[WHY IS EVERYONE ALWAYS HUGGING HIM!!! HE HATES HUGS!! (he likes hugs) SO MUCH!!

Under his breath, smooshed into Jason's front, he grunts irritably but tiredly.] Don't be ridiculous.

I'm returning home, and I will have to tell Father what happened. Hiding anything from him is worse than committing it.

[impulsiveness]

[BECAUSE HE DESERVES TO BE HUGGED.

Jason props his chin on the top of Damian's head, effectively trapping him there. There is no escape from unconditional love and affection, you dumb child.]

Then— I'll figure out a way to come with you. [Or not. Merit was a mistake.] I'm not leaving you to deal with him alone if you're so set on it.

[bittybat]

Don't be an idiot, Todd. [Muffled into Jason's front. WHY ARE YOU HOLDING HIM.] I'm not afraid of Father. I can handle him. [Sorry, but... he's FUCKING PISSING WITH FEAR. You know. No big deal.]

[impulsiveness]

[Look. This might be the last time he gets to do this before Damian's stuck with the asshole version of him?? Let him live.]

Yeah, right. You should have seen him when he thought I murdered someone, then. [... Because no matter what Bruce thinks, Jason didn't push anyone off that balcony.] I know you're not afraid, but that doesn't mean I'm not worried for you.

[NO BIG DEAL. JUST GOTTA DEAL WITH BRUCE?? He sighs.]

... And you know you don't have to go back to tell him, don't you? You have options.

[bittybat]

[A loud snort comes from Damian. He wiggles his shoulders to get Jason off of him--enough to look Jason in the face.] Spare me.

There's no other choice. I'm not running from Father. It's--my world. I belong there. Father--they need me.