[ 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

[alcobrawlic]

Are you sure? Because I can keep going.

[ 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. ]

[moraled]

Please do not do so.

[God....save him.

His shoulders slump, even as he flushes.]

You have made your point... I understand, and believe in you.

[alcobrawlic]

... I've got to say, though, I've really missed making you blush.

[ Or seeing him offer up an expression that was anything other than exhausted despair. ]

[moraled]

[WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS]

Is this your version of revenge?

[EXHAUSTEDLY.]

[alcobrawlic]

No. [ simply. ]

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?

[moraled]

[...He stares at her for another long moment.

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.

[alcobrawlic]

[ Never is Sara going to not be grateful for the fact that Barnham's really gotten bolder in certain regards. She laughs, though, leaning in to press their foreheads together. It's not soulful staring or passionate kissing, but there's something in the exchange that she finds warm and comforting nonetheless. ]

You'd be one of very few, but I appreciate it.

Think you can breathe a little easier now?

[moraled]

[It's intimate, and gentle...and he's just fine with that, leaving his forehead pressed to her.]

... 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.]

[alcobrawlic]

I'm a lot more patient than I used to be, lucky you.

[ 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. ]

[moraled]

[... Sara......

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.

[alcobrawlic]

[ In response, Sara arches an eyebrow-- and holds up one finger, almost admonishing. ]

Use your words, Zach. Communication's important in a relationship.

[moraled]

[rude]

Shall you be leaving, or staying?

[THERE]

[alcobrawlic]

I'll stay.

[ 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.

[moraled]

[Sara....

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.]

[alcobrawlic]

Right, right, I'll ready myself.

[ 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. ]

[moraled]

[He's just giving her an arched eyebrow even as he works on the armor.

wtf sara

w t f]

[alcobrawlic]

[ She just shoots him a grin and rolls over onto her back, holding out her arms.

Get over here, already. ]

[moraled]

[He's working on it!!! He finishes removing the armor and steps over to the bed--

And then shoves her over.

Move.]

[alcobrawlic]

Phpfht!

[ and that is a very dignified sputter of protest she is giving the pillow she just went face-down in.

RUDE. ]

[moraled]

[Truly elegant.... he just...flops onto the bed next to her and sighs.

God.

When was the last time he slept.

He suddenly feels exhausted.]

[alcobrawlic]

[ There's going to be a few seconds of grumbling on her end, before she pushes herself up just enough to roll over and face him. And then give her another few seconds to regain composure. ]

So long as you don't kick me off the bed... [ Look at her, trying to be solemn with hair falling into her face and stray bits coming loose from her bun. ]

Like I promised, I won't go anywhere. I'll be right here when you wake up.

[moraled]

[He just breathes out a soft sigh. He doesn't deserve this. This soft bed, and Sara warm beside him, and her assurance that she'll be there when he wakes up.

Maybe now...he can properly rest.

Quietly, he slumps a little, eyes sliding shut.]

... Please.

[So long as she's there when he wakes--]

I...will trust in that.

[alcobrawlic]

[ With his eyes closed, she thinks she can take care of the rest here-- which is just reaching out to take his hand. There. He'll know for sure that she's still there, without having to open his eyes. ]

Sweet dreams, Zach. You've done your duty.