Feb 18, morning, video

[daimondai]

 [The view comes in on Masaru's face. The camera is a little unsteady- he's doing this one handed with a to-go cardboard coffee holder in the other hand. Those watching can probably recognize the Clinic behind him]

Hey, has anyone seen Gabe? I've been settling things from when I went home and finally managed to get back to work and he's not even here!

[He flops down  on the sidewalk and leans against the building, feet bopping with pent up energy]

Guess I'll wait for a little bit. Stupid Doc is probably passed out somewhere like a bum. If I'm late to my patrol because of him HE'S gonna be the one hit with a clipboard!

Comments

[daimondai]

[Masaru doesn't have a key, but surprisingly the door is unlocked. Like there's no reason FOR it to be locked.

Probably because that's the case.

He just stares at the cleaned out apartment, slowly walking in and leaving Roy to deal with the door as he will]

[thewarisover]

[Shutting it quietly, watching the boy move in.

It certainly looks like Gabe's gone.]

[daimondai]

...

[He doesn't say anything for a few seconds, then turns in a flash, slamming his fist against the wall]

Damn it! [He practically bellows it, not caring at all if he wakes someone up in another apartment]

[thewarisover]

[Watching that calmly as well. Kid needs to let off steam.

Of course, he'll move in if it gets out of hand.]

I'm sorry, Masaru.

[daimondai]

[He hits the wall a few more times, harder with each, eyes wrenched shut. It's not about Gabe. Not really. He liked him, same way he'd liked Nepeta. But it's more the uncertainty. The inability to affect it. He had defeated a damned god, but he can't stop this. He knew this helplessness back home too, but unlike home here... nothing changed. It was a hundred tiny defeats, over and over.

Eventually others would go too, and he wouldn't be able to tell himself they went somewhere better. Eventually he'd break his own promises to come back.

He howls out his rage at the world, finally thumping his head against the damaged wall, shaking with the force of it]

...I hate this place.

[thewarisover]

[...

Walking over, and reaching out to turn Masaru around and give him a hug.]

[daimondai]

[He struggles against the movement at first, stubborn and willful. But it doesn't take long for him to hide his face in Roy's shoulder and openly cry.]

Sh-shit...

[thewarisover]

[And he held on, of course, saying nothing, offering just his presence.

Hopefully it'll be enough. This never, ever got easier.]

[daimondai]

[The fit is short but strong, and by the time Masaru lets gone Roy's shoulder is likely covered in goopy wet mess. When he steps back he sets at once to rubbing at his eyes and playing it off]

...sorry.

[thewarisover]

Don't be.

[Smiling, withdrawing just a bit with a pat to Masaru's back, offering him a handkerchief.]

[daimondai]

[He takes the offer, making a few rather rude noises into it]

Ugh. This is stupid.

[thewarisover]

It's how you feel. Feelings aren't stupid.