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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robowest2017-03-04 12:02 pm
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He'll lean in just enough to properly meet her eyes, serious and solemn.
Sara might be speaking with some mischief, but Barnham is 100% serious.]
To remain by your side, I shall do whatever it takes to keep up with you.
...And I shall do whatever it takes, too, to protect the people of your home.
That I swear to you.
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To stay by her side, to not hold her back but to face things alongside her, and to protect the citizens of Erebonia... that's a lot Barnham's committing to. But she knows by now that once he is committed to something, he'll follow through on it without fail. ]
You... [ with a very quiet sigh, she leans into the curve of his hand. ]
I've never once doubted you. That's not about to start now.
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[He quirks an eyebrow at that, a little surprised despite himself. After everything... she still didn't and doesn't doubt him? He's pretty sure he deserved every last shred of doubt that might have cropped up.]
... Truly?
[Precious... and ridiculous in equal measure. He never deserved this faith.]
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In your case, your movements were always of someone who was trying to face forward, even when you didn't want to believe what you were seeing. Even if it hurt. You... refused to let me doubt myself, and even when I wanted to call you a killjoy and you were, you were focused and caring.
So no. When you carried me back, I didn't doubt you. When you told me you thought I was a good instructor, I didn't doubt you. When you told me you wanted to bring this game to an end, I didn't doubt you.
I didn't doubt you when you kissed me, or when you volunteered to be the one to kill me, or when you told me that you meant what you'd told me that night. I didn't doubt you when Hal told us that you were the only one who knew how to end the game and what would have to be done in order for that to happen. Even as you kept breaking more and more, you kept going.
... I told you to give them hell, and you did. So knowing all of that, why would I doubt you? Even the choice you made was you facing forward to bring us all here.
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Ah.... Ah??
He doesn't really know how to handle all of that. Sara starts and...she just keeps going, and it flusters him, even as he clears his throat.
...Ah???]
L-Lady Instructor-- that is, Sara...
[Um.]
That...that is more than enough...!
[WAY TO FLUSTER]
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[ She really can. And she says so rather calmly, with just a hint of firmness. Sorry, Barnham, you're not allowed to doubt that she had an exasperated sort of faith in you the whole time. ]
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[God....save him.
His shoulders slump, even as he flushes.]
You have made your point... I understand, and believe in you.
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[ Or seeing him offer up an expression that was anything other than exhausted despair. ]
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Is this your version of revenge?
[EXHAUSTEDLY.]
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But my 'lackadaisical attitude' works at knocking you out of your sadness at least a little, doesn't it? And what girl doesn't like making a good-looking guy go all flushed, anyway?
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And then he sighs, vaguely exasperated and endeared in equal measure, and leans forward to close the distance between them, pressing their lips together.
When he pulls away, it's just to calmly say:]
Honestly, you have not changed at all.
...I am relieved for that.
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You'd be one of very few, but I appreciate it.
Think you can breathe a little easier now?
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... Somehow, I do. There is a great deal that I still...must think through.
But if you shall be patient with me, then I believe I....I shall be fine.
In time.
[At least....he'll try.]
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[ Which is to say, of course she'll be patient with him. He's going to have a long recovery period, but maybe the bracer life will be good for him. That, and rest-- and that she'll mention. ]
You knoooow... there's a perfectly good bed here and someone who needs it not using it. I think that's kind of a shame.
[ ... in Sara fashion. ]
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He's quiet for a long moment, glancing at the bed, and then back at her, and, shamefully, there's something he feels like saying but isn't sure how to put into words.
He hesitates.]
... I suppose you...are not wrong. I do feel as though I should rest.
[He's exhausted. He can't remember the last time he slept and ate. But--]
Shall you be...
[...leaving?]
Ah, never mind.
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Use your words, Zach. Communication's important in a relationship.
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Shall you be leaving, or staying?
[THERE]
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[ With a very slight upwards quick of her mouth-- ]
But we'll have to share the bed this time, unless you want me to stand guard by the door or something.
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Sara.]
If you stand guard, I shall be quite displeased. There is nothing to stand guard from.
[He's just going to start removing his armor?? Again.
Whatever.]
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[ Well, then! Sara, in the manner of remarkably seductive young ladies who really don't want to try peeling someone out of their armor...
... kicks off her shoes, shrugs out of her jacket with the ridiculous belts and is still fully clothed so there. And also hops onto the bed to stretch out.
LOOK HOW COMFY THIS BED IS, BARNHAM. ]
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wtf sara
w t f]
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Get over here, already. ]
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And then shoves her over.
Move.]
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[ and that is a very dignified sputter of protest she is giving the pillow she just went face-down in.
RUDE. ]
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God.
When was the last time he slept.
He suddenly feels exhausted.]
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