On it being THAT day

[chiefdefense]

You know you really don't need to go using up your data allowance just to- oh look you're doing it anyway. That's really thoughtful, going to all this trouble just to commemorate a day I really wish had never happened. Or is happening. Or... oh great, now we're looking at a time paradox.

See, I told you not to post something, now you've gone cross eyed.

Well, when you can focus again, I'll be over here looking at crash helmets on eBay.

[...Not that it will help me anyway.]

Comments

[seafoodlawyer]

[Have a protegé hugging you and burying his face in your shoulder. Something he's probably never done because lol professionalism or attempt at it anyway.]

Time paradoxes mean it ends up not happening, right??

[chiefdefense]

[Oh Phoenix. Have an awkward shoulder pat.]

I don't think it works like that, Phoenix.

[seafoodlawyer]

It was worth a shot. [siiiigh] Sometimes I still wonder if your boyfriend had the right idea blaming me. I didn't help you out...and maybe if I'd been there Maya wouldn't have been arrested.

[chiefdefense]

Diego...

[She sighs and looks sadly wistful for a moment.]

Look, let's not talk about his ideas. That line of thinking didn't help him and it won't help you, so don't do that to yourself, okay? It happened. If you want to blame someone then blame White. Blame me. I went pushing a dangerous man too far and didn't watch my own back. I didn't let you know what was going on, it could have been you or Maya he attacked.

I'm not going to say it's better this way but... What's done is done. There comes a time where you have to let it go or it will eat you up and ruin you.

[seafoodlawyer]

Well, someone had to put a stop to him, he had the entire legal system on their knees. [And he's glad they finally did, but did it have to cost someone close to him her life?]

...yeah, I know. Usually I just remember everything you taught me, so it's not like you're completely gone. That, and Maya or Pearls can channel you anytime they want. [small laugh] We sure do miss actually seeing you, though.

[chiefdefense]

I miss seeing you guys, I really do. I'm luckier than most that I can still see you from time to time, even if it's not quite the same. Someone has to keep an eye on you, make sure you're looking after Charley and the office. You know.

[she smiles]

Not that I really need to keep that close of an eye on you all, you're doing just fine. I'm so proud of you guys, don't ever forget that.

[beenwaitinglong]

I'm sorry, Kitten.

[chiefdefense]

So am I.

How are you holding up, handsome?

[ask a stupid question]

[beenwaitinglong]

Same as always. Hardly at all.

[chiefdefense]

Come here.

[are those her arms opening up for a hug? I think so.]

[beenwaitinglong]

[Thank heavens for this weird alternate-reality space here where this is even possible.

He's silent, and just breathes as he holds her for a minute.]

It's harder and harder to find reasons to get up every day.

I know you'd want me to, so I do.

[chiefdefense]

Then that's one reason, isn't it? And then there's the coffee, that's two.

[but she does know, she knows too well]

It does get easier, I promise. It never goes away but you just... You learn to get better at living with it.

[beenwaitinglong]

It's so hard to believe that sometimes. When all I have is hollowness and pain, it's impossible to imagine anything else ahead.

Well... Not impossible, I guess. Just beyond me, it seems.

[chiefdefense]

Then do all the things we said we'd do together but didn't get round to. Take pictures, come share them with Maya and Pearl and Phoenix. They're my family, let them be yours too, let them give you something else to look forward to.

You've got a whole lot of living left to do, don't waste a second of it, you hear?

That's an order.

[feytality]

Today's the day, huh...

[she's just going to go attack her big sister for a hug]

[chiefdefense]

[She gets her hug, and it's super tight with added hair stroking.]

I'm sorry Maya. I'm so sorry.

[feytality]

[What if she just clings tight and never lets go. Face in chest and all.]

Quick, sis! We can do it! We can make a new awesome timeline! It's like that cyborg movie, but awesome!

[bewrightback]

Mia! I'm late... oh no, I'm late! What happened?! Did you... um... manage to undo anything?