[His hand is warm and welcoming, hardened by callouses from his racket. She gently squeezes his hand as they approach his old house together. It really wasn't that long ago, it just feels like it at this moment.]
No, I guess not. I've seen your room back at home.
[Her room isn't much better. In fact, it's practically the same. But she tries her best to keep it light, getting playful jabs in when she can. Even if she feels down and not like herself, she doesn't want him to feel that way.]
[The little squeeze makes him smile a little; it's welcomed and returned.]
Right? It's perfectly clean.
[It's not perfectly so, but he does pick up after himself well enough. He likes to think what does get left out adds more than it detracts. A home ought to feel cozy, after all. Lived in.
It's certainly not a sense to be had from this treehouse anymore. Somehow, it still feels welcoming to him, though. Maybe just the familiarity of it. When they reach the top of the stairs, he pushes open the door and ducks inside, looking around for any critters that might have moved in. Sure enough, under the loft it looks like some kind of gray fuzzy bugs are nestled against the wall. Bugs with... ears? Oh, wait.]
[She wouldn't call him a slob, nor would she consider herself one. There's just a few articles of clothing strewn about in her own room, along with papers, journals, knickknacks and the like. But that's what she considers lived in.
Also she just kind of hates cleaning.
The inside of the treehouse has certainly seen better days. There's dust and it looks fairly rundown despite being abandoned not too long ago. She wonders if it has something to do with dream energy no longer being present?
His words disrupt her thoughts, though, and she casts her gaze to where he's pointing.]
Those are real?!
[They seem to be. They look small and harmless, and her expression softens at the sight of them.]
[Apparently they are real. What an interesting place the world of dreams can be. Marui takes a moment to appreciate the sight-- it looks like a family of them. The thought is endearing.]
They are. Well, it's good this place is getting some use. Must be like a mansion for them.
[That's a funny thought, too, as tight as it is for human inhabitants. Speaking of which--
Marui turns to the table at the front window and gently blows the dust off. Once it's cleared, he dreams up a rich chocolate cake covered with deep red frosting in a rose pattern all around it.]
Ingenious! Hey, you're gonna have some, right? It's chocolate.
[She can't help but smile. Marui's solution to everything seems to be cake. Normally, it'd be hers, too. Nothing like a heaping spoonful of sugar to lift one's spirits and help to de-stress. And she certainly doesn't want to dampen his...]
I... think I'd rather something else first.
[But it's okay to ask for a little physical affection, right? Since she woke up, everything has felt so different; strange and dream-like. The dreamscape itself was hardly a dream, so even now it's hard to tell if they're all fully awake.]
[Honestly, he was sort of expecting that. Marui had to make it for her and had to offer, but experience has taught him that she probably wouldn't feel like eating it right away.]
Well, that's fine too. [He says with quiet warmth.] It'll be there later.
[He steps back over towards her, reclaims her hand, and after a moment of appreciating the fact that he can still do that at all, takes one more step in and simply hugs her.]
[He took the hint. She had been a little vague, still feeling like she might not deserve his affections. Not only had she let herself feel something for Jude, but that steamy makeout session on the couch earlier this month with Marui made her feel a little awkward when she learned he normally wouldn't have engaged in such behaviour.
But his hug quells most of her fears, it's warm and strong. Yet gentle. And exactly what she needs right now. She returns the embrace, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and burying her face against the crook of his neck.]
... And you too, right?
[Because he's real and absolutely isn't going to go anywhere?]
[Marui's hand instinctively comes up and cradles the back of Leia's head once she buries it against him. It was quite the ordeal she'd had to go through for that dreamscape. And she'd faced it, with bravery, determination, and heart. That's how it should've been. The words aren't easy to say, but he's quite proud of her.
Her suggestion, then, is so outside the realm of Marui's thought processes that it takes him a couple of seconds to realize what she's asked.]
Why wouldn't I be? [He asks with sincere confusion.] Didn't I tell you? We're gonna work through this together. You don't have to worry about me going anywhere.
[That's also what she wanted to hear. Regardless of what happens or what he knows, it really seems like he trusts her completely. But that isn't the only reason she asked.]
I know this sounds silly, but I just wanted to make sure that I'm not still dreaming.
[There's so much more to the question than that. But that's not really something she wants to delve into yet. For now, her arms remain firm around him, keeping him close, and allowing his warmth to comfort her.]
[And as awkward as it is, maybe that's... actually a valid fear. Because she's right: they are still dreaming. Like Alvin, he could wake up and disappear without warning. And he'd have no way of communicating with her after that.
It's a frustrating reality. And it's one that would be pretty unkind to deny to her. Always always staying with her isn't a promise he can make to that end, no matter how true his intention is.]
The dreamscape's over... [he starts. Easy confirmations first.] Let's... go sit down, huh? C'mon...
[Keeping his arm around her, Marui turns and guides her towards the spot of floor where a few months ago they'd cuddled under a blanket and talked about Alvin's disappearance.]
[And that's exactly another fear that's been worrying her- one of them, anyway. But that's a whole other issue to tackle, and not the source of her grief at the moment.
One struggle at a time.
She lets out a breath when he speaks aloud the confirmation, nodding slowly at his suggestion.]
Mm...
[They reach the spot, and she sinks to the floor beside him, inwardly berating herself for letting something that wasn't real get to her. But the reality is, this place is as "real" as any dreamscape they get tossed into. These worlds are all something of a dream either way...
She glances at him sheepishly.]
Sorry. I know I shouldn't let it bother me.
[He's going to probably be annoyed that she's apologizing for feeling bad, but she can't help it, and before he can say anything she cuts in--]
And, I know, I have nothing to apologize for, but just let me, okay?
[There's no awkwardness this time getting settled; Marui helps himself to sitting right by her hip with his arm around her in invitation for her to lean on him, literally and figuratively alike.
It's strange how she wants to apologize when she knows there's nothing to apologize for, if kind of cute. Is she feeling self-conscious? Marui thinks back to how she could be earlier on in their friendship: stubbornly independent, not wanting to accept help even when it was obvious she needed it, like when she hurt her leg. It's much different now-- one look at her accepting cuddles in the first place speaks to her growth on that point. But it'd be reasonable to conclude the root source of that mentality hasn't disappeared.]
Sure. You can tell me whatever you want. [He tips his head forward for a better look at her, offering a warm smile.] But you know, you were pretty cool back there. The way you never gave up, and fought to the very end. It takes a strong spirit to spit in the face of a fated script like that. [He grins.] You really showed 'em.
[He's trying to make her feel better. She appreciates it, really. And maybe tomorrow she'll be able to use those words to motivate her into picking herself up. But, today... they get tucked away for safe-keeping. Today, she needs the time to let all his encouragement sink in and settle. Tomorrow will be better.
Today, she just has to come to grips with the fact that she failed. And that her failing had been a necessity for this world.
She nods slowly, leaning into him, practically nuzzling closer.]
Yeah. Too bad it wasn't enough.
[A thought occurs to her, and she tilts her head to look in his direction, sort of thankful she can't see his whole face.]
Wait, does that mean you saw... everything?
[She doesn't recall him there, but then again, her focus had been entirely on Jude.]
[It's not completely true. It was enough, at least as far as the real goal was concerned. Naturally, though, Leia's focus is on the personal stakes, the outcome that wasn't changeable. Maybe not the happiest focus, but probably the healthiest. Anyone who could compartmentalize to the extent it would take to dismiss that experience and celebrate that the real goal was a success had an entirely separate problem. Just trying to imagine what kind of effect it'd have on him if it'd been him trying and failing to save one of his brothers-- it's enough to piss him off all over again. Of course it can't be written off as just a play.
He breaks away from that train of thought, because it's not constructive right now, and instead rubs her arm.]
...Yeah. I saw. When Paris learned of the Capulet army sent after them, he tried to get there first.
[Her and Jude were doomed to die with each other as Romeo and Juliet. But she hoped that Marui had at least been spared witnessing it. So she doesn't have to admit that to him, but it doesn't make her feel any better. She can still feel that sword going through her chest, and she looks back down at her hands.
She nearly apologizes again, but doesn't. He knows. Though she does wonder if he's upset at her for what she did.]
You're not going to accuse me of being reckless?
[Not that she'd blame him. There hadn't been a second of hesitation. When that soldier came at Jude, she leapt in front of him.
And she'd do it again.
It's not that she wants to die, or doesn't care about her life. But she knows if she doesn't try whatever she can to keep him safe, she would never forgive herself.]
[He does know. She wouldn't have wished that kind of memory on him, no more than he wished the ones she has on her. Nothing to be done about either one, and it's fine that way. They're both strong enough to handle what they've been through.]
Accuse...? When you say it like that, it sounds like you did something wrong.
No. At least, I don't think I did. [she briefly wonders what Jude must be thinking after that.] But diving in headfirst is kinda my thing. And I know that can be alarming.
[It's not that she thinks it was wrong, but she can see where someone might get mad at her for sacrificing herself.]
Times like that, recklessness isn't the issue. Your body acts on its own doesn't it?
[Because there's no time to think about it. There's a stimulus and a response, nothing more. And anyway, it isn't like he'd have done any differently in her shoes.]
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No, I guess not. I've seen your room back at home.
[Her room isn't much better. In fact, it's practically the same. But she tries her best to keep it light, getting playful jabs in when she can. Even if she feels down and not like herself, she doesn't want him to feel that way.]
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Right? It's perfectly clean.
[It's not perfectly so, but he does pick up after himself well enough. He likes to think what does get left out adds more than it detracts. A home ought to feel cozy, after all. Lived in.
It's certainly not a sense to be had from this treehouse anymore. Somehow, it still feels welcoming to him, though. Maybe just the familiarity of it. When they reach the top of the stairs, he pushes open the door and ducks inside, looking around for any critters that might have moved in. Sure enough, under the loft it looks like some kind of gray fuzzy bugs are nestled against the wall. Bugs with... ears? Oh, wait.]
Heh! Look. Dust bunnies.
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Also she just kind of hates cleaning.
The inside of the treehouse has certainly seen better days. There's dust and it looks fairly rundown despite being abandoned not too long ago. She wonders if it has something to do with dream energy no longer being present?
His words disrupt her thoughts, though, and she casts her gaze to where he's pointing.]
Those are real?!
[They seem to be. They look small and harmless, and her expression softens at the sight of them.]
They're so cute!
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They are. Well, it's good this place is getting some use. Must be like a mansion for them.
[That's a funny thought, too, as tight as it is for human inhabitants. Speaking of which--
Marui turns to the table at the front window and gently blows the dust off. Once it's cleared, he dreams up a rich chocolate cake covered with deep red frosting in a rose pattern all around it.]
Ingenious! Hey, you're gonna have some, right? It's chocolate.
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I... think I'd rather something else first.
[But it's okay to ask for a little physical affection, right? Since she woke up, everything has felt so different; strange and dream-like. The dreamscape itself was hardly a dream, so even now it's hard to tell if they're all fully awake.]
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Well, that's fine too. [He says with quiet warmth.] It'll be there later.
[He steps back over towards her, reclaims her hand, and after a moment of appreciating the fact that he can still do that at all, takes one more step in and simply hugs her.]
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But his hug quells most of her fears, it's warm and strong. Yet gentle. And exactly what she needs right now. She returns the embrace, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and burying her face against the crook of his neck.]
... And you too, right?
[Because he's real and absolutely isn't going to go anywhere?]
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Her suggestion, then, is so outside the realm of Marui's thought processes that it takes him a couple of seconds to realize what she's asked.]
Why wouldn't I be? [He asks with sincere confusion.] Didn't I tell you? We're gonna work through this together. You don't have to worry about me going anywhere.
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I know this sounds silly, but I just wanted to make sure that I'm not still dreaming.
[There's so much more to the question than that. But that's not really something she wants to delve into yet. For now, her arms remain firm around him, keeping him close, and allowing his warmth to comfort her.]
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It's a frustrating reality. And it's one that would be pretty unkind to deny to her. Always always staying with her isn't a promise he can make to that end, no matter how true his intention is.]
The dreamscape's over... [he starts. Easy confirmations first.] Let's... go sit down, huh? C'mon...
[Keeping his arm around her, Marui turns and guides her towards the spot of floor where a few months ago they'd cuddled under a blanket and talked about Alvin's disappearance.]
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One struggle at a time.
She lets out a breath when he speaks aloud the confirmation, nodding slowly at his suggestion.]
Mm...
[They reach the spot, and she sinks to the floor beside him, inwardly berating herself for letting something that wasn't real get to her. But the reality is, this place is as "real" as any dreamscape they get tossed into. These worlds are all something of a dream either way...
She glances at him sheepishly.]
Sorry. I know I shouldn't let it bother me.
[He's going to probably be annoyed that she's apologizing for feeling bad, but she can't help it, and before he can say anything she cuts in--]
And, I know, I have nothing to apologize for, but just let me, okay?
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It's strange how she wants to apologize when she knows there's nothing to apologize for, if kind of cute. Is she feeling self-conscious? Marui thinks back to how she could be earlier on in their friendship: stubbornly independent, not wanting to accept help even when it was obvious she needed it, like when she hurt her leg. It's much different now-- one look at her accepting cuddles in the first place speaks to her growth on that point. But it'd be reasonable to conclude the root source of that mentality hasn't disappeared.]
Sure. You can tell me whatever you want. [He tips his head forward for a better look at her, offering a warm smile.] But you know, you were pretty cool back there. The way you never gave up, and fought to the very end. It takes a strong spirit to spit in the face of a fated script like that. [He grins.] You really showed 'em.
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Today, she just has to come to grips with the fact that she failed. And that her failing had been a necessity for this world.
She nods slowly, leaning into him, practically nuzzling closer.]
Yeah. Too bad it wasn't enough.
[A thought occurs to her, and she tilts her head to look in his direction, sort of thankful she can't see his whole face.]
Wait, does that mean you saw... everything?
[She doesn't recall him there, but then again, her focus had been entirely on Jude.]
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He breaks away from that train of thought, because it's not constructive right now, and instead rubs her arm.]
...Yeah. I saw. When Paris learned of the Capulet army sent after them, he tried to get there first.
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She nearly apologizes again, but doesn't. He knows. Though she does wonder if he's upset at her for what she did.]
You're not going to accuse me of being reckless?
[Not that she'd blame him. There hadn't been a second of hesitation. When that soldier came at Jude, she leapt in front of him.
And she'd do it again.
It's not that she wants to die, or doesn't care about her life. But she knows if she doesn't try whatever she can to keep him safe, she would never forgive herself.]
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Accuse...? When you say it like that, it sounds like you did something wrong.
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[It's not that she thinks it was wrong, but she can see where someone might get mad at her for sacrificing herself.]
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[Because there's no time to think about it. There's a stimulus and a response, nothing more. And anyway, it isn't like he'd have done any differently in her shoes.]
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[It's a valid question. She's curious if he'd be as accepting.]
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Huh? What does that have to do with it?
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[Because while she appreciates how understanding he is, she wants to know if there's some kind of limit.]
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I'm saying I don't understand your question. Do I still think it'd be instinct? Of course I do.
[Because of course how he feels is going to be different if she goes and actually dies on him. One situation has grief in it and the other doesn't.]
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I'm asking if you'd still be as understanding.
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I dunno. If it ever happens, try and ask me again.
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[DOUBT.
But okay, she's teasing him. That's something at least?]
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