[ 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

[cherrypuncher]

[This should be obvious by now, where the hell has he been the past like seven weeks?? But when Yuna answers him, her voice is bright and warm.]

Because you're important to me.

[insincerely]

[living in denial???]

... Honestly...

[He should've expected no less from Yuna. A part of him knew this was coming, really.

Even so, he can't stop his expression from faltering for a moment, because that's something he both didn't want to hear but wanted to hear (why?) all at once.]

... You really creep me out, you know? Saying stuff like that with a straight face...

[cherrypuncher]

Is it really creepy...? I really mean it, though. [Just like she's meant everything else she's told him and everyone; she can't be anyone else but Yuna, and she can't pretend that means anything else.] You're important to me, and I'm glad I got to be your friend. That's why I want you to have this.

[She's still holding the bookmark out, but she hasn't tried to shove it at him or anything. She's been patient this long.]

For me, it was a reminder that even when I was far away, the friends who gave it to me were still right by my side. I want you to know I'm always with you, too.

[insincerely]

[Hesitantly, he takes the bookmark, staring at it as if it's an unfamiliar object to him. I want you to know I'm always with you, too. Does that even mean anything? How would memory alone give him any strength?

He doesn't know yet. But, he supposes, it might not hurt (too much) to see.]

You're still a moron.

[It's Shinnosuke talk for thanks, probably.]

[cherrypuncher]

You said that already. [he has not stopped saying that??? But Yuna still smiles, wide and warm, because she knows an almost-thanks when she hears it.]

[insincerely]

[Stop, that smile is blinding!!]

Because it never stops being true.