at the end of the river, the sundown beams

[destage]

[Well...that trial was most certainly a thing, now wasn't it.

It's probably a while after the trial that some notes will be going underneath people's doors, written in a nice, clean scrawl--]

For anyone who hasn't gotten anything to eat, there will be food and refreshments provided in the dining room courtesy of Estelle-san and I. Feel free to take as much as you need.

Please stay strong, everyone.

♥ Estelle and Sayaka

[True to the word, there's plenty of food to go around--potato stew courtesy of Estelle, and curry courtesy of Sayaka. There's coffee and tea out as well, for anyone to drink, and...well, it's more or less an optional thing. After today, some might need it.]

Comments

[firstaid]

We know it was a mistake. Everyone does. Rin, everyone understands this.

[She takes a deep breath not trying to let this get to her. As far as she's concerned, Rin is just a bully, but that's okay. It really is. It's why she'll take whatever she can with grace even if Rin keeps attacking her character and the vulnerable information she's given her.]

Don't tell us otherwise and think that we're simply turning a blind eye to this.

[heritrix]

That's yet to be determined, isn't it? [Into the washing machine her clothes go, and the lid drops closed after them with a clang.] Well, I'd be pleased to be proven wrong.

[She says it with an air of finality, like that's the end of that conversation. Estelle is free to think what she wants about her, but she's way off base if she thinks Rin will use her trauma against her.]

[firstaid]

[Well, she doesn't like that Rin's assuming everyone is like this, but that's up to her to decide. Maybe they're off base with each other, but she makes no way to try to clear up any potential understanding since the girl has decided she's right.

She reminds her a bit of Rita, but even Rita showed leeway when she realized she may have been wrong.

So that's probably the end of that conversation and Estelle won't bring it up anymore.]

1/2

[heritrix]

[It's more that Rin has seen no evidence to prove she is wrong yet. That might change in time; she's actually quite good about correcting herself when she realizes she's made an error, but she already apologized for her lack of tact at the trial, once to Kimblee, and then to Caren herself.

What more do they want from her? A written copy signed in blood? If it's solely for the sake of appeasing their personal disproval, they're not going to get it.]

[heritrix]

[Rin sighs loudly.]

This will take a bit. [Sweeping the little packets off the washing machine, Rin glances at the door.] I'm going to get ice cream. What flavor do you like?

[firstaid]

[When Rin asks that, Estelle claps her hands together and smiles-- almost like their conversation didn't happen.]

I like strawberry!

[heritrix]

[That's a 180, but it's better. Rin smiles lightly.]

I should have guessed. Okay, I'll be back soon then.

[firstaid]

[Estelle is the forgive and forget kind. She won't hold grudges. It's too sad and too much energy.]

Okay. I'll be waiting!

[heritrix]

[Aaaaaand here we go.]

I'm back.

[She skipped the bowls and brought a whole damn carton. Two damn cartons; strawberry for Estelle and mint chocolate for herself.]

[firstaid]

...oh!

[She gives Rin a sheepish smile though she takes the carton.

...she almost feels uncomfortable eating out of the carton.]

U-um...

[Should she say something? Though Yuri and Rita would tell her it's no big deal.

Right, she just remains quiet and stares at the carton before--]

O-oh right, thank you!

[She'll give Rin a small, but polite bow before she stares at the ice cream carton once more.]

[heritrix]

Don't forget the spoon.

[Rin hands that to her next before going to sit down.]

Don't worry, it won't bite you so long as you do the opposite.

[firstaid]

[She grabs the spoon and looks at the ice cream.]

What should I do if I can't eat it all?

[It seems rude to eat out of the ice cream directly and put it back.]

[heritrix]

[...oh, right. There's a little pause here like Rin hadn't thought of that, but then she just shrugs.]

We have pens and markers in the storage room. You can either claim the carton by writing your name on it, or you can scoop the parts you ate around into it's own bowl and put back the rest.

[firstaid]

I suppose I could and it's not like there wouldn't be enough for everyone else...

[So there's no problem feeling like she's hoarding it. As if reaching a silent conclusion, she nods.]

Yes, I think I will do that.