Week Three Afterparty - How we'll drink until we're kind, searching for our wasted time

[goldenmaniac]

It had been a strange day - while they were no fewer in number than they had been the day before, the guests had learned a harsh lesson. That no one, even a dear friend, could be trusted when the power of a Witch was concerned. That Misfortune could not be avoided forever.

They had seen a glimpse of the Witch's true face, and all were shaken by the knowledge...🗈

No one was exactly eager to gather after the disgusting sight of Akira's execution. But drifting off to their own devices seemed too cold, so Takumi, almost frantic, set about making some light food for everyone. Mostly sandwiches, some rice and fish, soup... fare that would be easy on the stomache.

He didn't bother sending out notes. After three weeks everyone knew how this played out, and would arrive if they felt up to it. Or not.

Comments

[excavated]

I think that. . . I'd understand. I've lost many important people before. But my feelings might be different from hers.

[respring]

That's something a lot of us seem to have in common, unfortunately.

[ ... ]

I wish there was something I could do for her besides bring her some sweets.

[excavated]

I don't know if we can really do much for Takamaki-san. . . Besides supporting her, anyway. I was going to talk to her a little bit about my experience with other selves since that was brought up during the trial.

[respring]

[ another nod ]

Speaking of that...I've been curious. If it's not intrusive of me to ask, how does that work, exactly? The two of you being different versions of the same person.

[ they don't look alike, they don't act alike, how do clamp magic ]

[excavated]

It's fine. [ He actually doesn't mind. ] My circumstances with Kimihiro. . . are a little different than most people. I created him unintentionally because of my sin. [...] I don't regret it, though.

[respring]

[ ]

Because it...created him?

[ and watanuki's a pretty cool dude, witch aside ]

[excavated]

[ There's a fond smile that plays on his lips. ] Yeah.

[respring]

[ a little smile ]

You have a very optimistic way of looking at things.

[excavated]

You think so? I don't think I'm honestly all that optimistic. . .

[respring]

Maybe just more than me...? [ she shakes her head ] I just mean you seem to have taken it well, whatever this incident was.

[ what's this about sinning, is kotomine still lurking in the shadows?? ]

[excavated]

I can't. . . say that I entirely took it well. It was a difficult time for me. But I was the one who made those choices. If I went back on that, it would be like betraying myself. And betraying Kimihiro. I couldn't possibly do that. I had to accept my own sins.

[respring]

Um...I can't say I entirely understand, of course, but do you mean...if you say you regretted making that decision, it would be like saying you regretted Watanuki-san being alive?

[excavated]

That's exactly it. And. . . the person most important to me would have died as well. So I don't regret it at all.

[respring]

[ a pause

and then a bigger smile ]

I see. That's a very noble stance to take. Not everyone wants to own up to the mistakes they make, especially big ones.

[excavated]

Yeah. It's. . . difficult. But I think it was worth it in the end.

[respring]

[ if he's amenable to a headpat, she'll give him one ]

Don't be silly. Didn't you just say it saved someone you love?

[ of course it was worth it. she's all too familiar with that sort of ideology. ]

[excavated]

[ He's caught a little off guard by the headpat, but that doesn't mean that he won't accept it. And that's when he finds himself smiling a little softly. ] Thanks. And I did. By the way... her name was the same as yours. Sakura.

1/2

[respring]

[ Oh.

Oh! Huh. Now his reaction from when they met makes sense. ]

[respring]

It's a pretty common name, isn't it? Ahaha. Especially for girls around my age. But it looks like it's popular in other worlds, too. I guess some things just stay the same no matter where you go.

[excavated]

It really is. My mother shared that name as well. It's honestly a really beautiful name. And I think it suits you.