ic contact;

[psycholawgy]

You've reached Athena Cykes. I'm currently unavailable, but leave a message and I'll get back to you pronto. Danke! (voice/call → text → video → action)

Comments

[faithfulflame]

[Athena's surprise, and the comfortable look of her clothes are pretty amusing for Rei. She steps inside at the invitation though, her smile not wavering in the slightest.]

Thanks. I would definitely like some.

[It's been 3 days, man.]

[psycholawgy]

[ she's been pretty upset these past few days that she doesn't even care what she's wearing any more, so...

athena leads her to the kitchen to grab two teacups. ]

It's Lady Grey, I hope that's okay. [ and then she starts serving the tea on the dining table. hopefully, rei's seated by them and is making herself at home! ]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei is sitting down in her usual spot. It's not like she isn't here with some regularity. And she's waiting, picking up the cup and stirring in a little sugar.]

Of course it is. It's been three days. Even wormroot would be good after three days.

[No it wouldn't.]

You okay?

[psycholawgy]

Just tired... [ there's no point in hiding things from rei, anyway. ]

I'm tired of people disappearing in this place.

[faithfulflame]

That's part of why I came to see you.

[Gulping down her drink, she drains the cup in one go and sets the cup back on the table.]

I'm sorry, I know I missed several appointments. And our dinner.

[psycholawgy]

[ wow... rei, thirsty much??? ]

You didn't-- die did you?

[faithfulflame]

[Extremely. More please?]

I did. [She answers in plain language, no squirming.] I died 3 days ago, when it sounds like a lot of things went completely sideways for a lot of people.

[psycholawgy]

[ athena definitely isn't denying rei more.

at that, though, she frowns, but it's a good thing she's done pouring the tea for rei when she says she died. ]

I'm sorry. I don't know what happened, but so many people got hurt...

Is that something you want to talk about?

[faithfulflame]

[Rei takes the tea and drinks it more slowly this time.]

I don't really know what there is to say, Athena. I'm actually healthier than I was when I died. [Which is a little strange to say but...all things considered?] I died doing something right and that is always worthwhile.

[She meets the other girl's eyes.]

This isn't the first time I've died. Have I ever told you that?

[psycholawgy]

No, but...

[ she looks down at her reflection on her teacup, both hands cupping it and her fingers tapping on the china. ]

It doesn't mean it's alright.

[faithfulflame]

Oh no, it's not pleasant, but it happened. I made a mistake and didn't prepare properly. But I did accomplish what I needed to do.

[She looks down at her cup and takes another sip, savoring it this time.]

It was quick and painless. Unlike the last three times.

[psycholawgy]

How can you even say all that so calmly?

[faithfulflame]

Because I've been through it before. It gets easier, and there's no point in screaming and crying over something I cannot change. I was killed freeing hundreds of ghosts from some sort of prison. If Yuri-chan and I hadn't been sent there, they may have languished for eternity.

[She breathes in, breathes out, and dips her head in deference to Athena.]

Should I be upset about something I can't change? I really, truly am sorry that I worried you, Athena, but I'm here now. Same as always.

[psycholawgy]

... I wish I could be as strong as you.

I wasn't hurt - wherever we went. But... I was so scared of dying. I always am.

[faithfulflame]

[Rei dips her head and pats the couch beside her.]

Please come sit with me.

[She wants that, if you'll indulge her.]

I'm glad you're alright. And I'm sorry you're afraid. I think...maybe that's natural.

[psycholawgy]

[ alright, then... she moves to take a seat beside rei, and sets her cup on the table. ]

Not... really. There are so many people who would risk their lives for their friends-- I. I could say things like that, but the actual thought of it is just terrifying.

[faithfulflame]

[The irony of the girl who died comforting the one who lived isn't lost on Rei, and she leans tiredly against her galpal. That's mostly what she wanted, someone to lean on. You just happen to conveniently have obliged her.]

Athena, that's normal. You think I'm not frightened when I fight? Only someone a lot more foolish than I am wouldn't be afraid. There's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

[patting Athena's knee, Rei lets out a bitter, rough laugh.]

If you weren't scared, I'd seriously wonder what was wrong with you.

[psycholawgy]

[ here's the thing... ]

That's the thing. I don't want to be scared. I want to protect people and make sure nothing bad happens to them. But-- I can't do that with the way I am now.

[faithfulflame]

Athena...

[Rei smiles somewhat exasperatedly and leans harder against the lawyer, one arm finally snaking around to hug her at the waist.]

You can do that in ways I can't. You're a talented investigator and lawyer. Phoenix-san told me that about you. You're also a therapist, and that's a way to protect someone's mind. There are more things that need a guardian against than just violence.

[psycholawgy]

[ that just makes her frown even more, but she does nothing about the contact. ]

What? Boss said that...?

[faithfulflame]

[Hopefully not. Rei just wants you to be okay.]

Mmmhmm. You're the kind of person who looks out for other people. But you can't do everything. You don't have to be a soldier like me, or a warrior like Ryuko-chan. You just need to be you.

[psycholawgy]

[ she shifts a bit and draws up her feet, folding them and embracing them. ]

I wish I could do everything.

[ there's a reason why she asked ardeo if he could give her superpowers. ]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei keeps leaning, but does let go. Thanks for being a comfortable person, Athena.]

And I wish I could be able to do everything too. But it's not possible, even though I'm immortal. And there's nothing wrong with that.

[She did offer to teach you things...]

[psycholawgy]

... sorry, this is getting depressing, isn't it?

[faithfulflame]

Only if you dwell on it. I didn't come here to see you and be sad, though.

[Sips tea.]

I came to apologize for worrying you. I knew you'd know, so when I woke up I came right here after getting changed.

[It's perfectly acceptable for Rei to worry about other people, but being worried about bothers her.]