View source for 1499/Dimension Past: Aftermath Sleepover

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2024/04/25
|Location=Tsukino-Osaka Dorm
|Synopsis=Freed from Beryl's time echo and more than a little traumatized in the aftermath, Usagi and Naru corral the Inner Senshi into a sleepover at their apartment. No one's going home alone tonight.
|Cast of Characters=43,59,122,45,27,72
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:43|Usagi Tsukino (43)}} has posed:'''<br>Understandably, very few of those who escaped from the portal to the echoed past were up to either hoofing ''or'' roofing it back to campus, and the safety of their dorm rooms, so Mamoru had indeed ordered Ubers for everyone. Usagi had spent several long, necessary seconds kissing him, before the Ubers arrived, but afterwards? <br><br>Afterwards, she had her girls to put back together - all five of them. The wait for their ride is full of Usagi giving clinging hugs, but they're still on the side of the street in Juuban until their ride comes.<br><br> When it does they clamor in together, six of the most depressed, exhausted, worn-out, or stoically managing it girls the driver had ever managed to see, and when they're dropped off on campus and Mamoru has Tamaki and Kazuo to see to, Usagi has her girls. Pretty much none of them are in normal clothes, given the bounty of clothing options they'd found in the past, and that means there are a few people loitering around campus, looking at them, but it's early enough in the day that most people are in class and the campus is quiet and Usagi does not care, because her heart aches with guilty and shame and grief and she's ''positive'' she's not the only one. <br><br>"So," she says, winces at the unsettlingly casual sound of it, and tries again, looking at everyone. "No one's going home alone tonight, we're all staying together, so, the way I see it, we've got two options: we crash in Naru and I's dorm, or we break into one of the empty triple rooms and have a sleepover there. What do we want to do?" <br><br>It's only after she's spoken that she considers that maybe she should have asked Naru, but - no, this is what everyone needs, and she's sure of that.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:59|Naru Osaka (59)}} has posed:'''<br>"Our dorm." Naru might not technically be a senshi, but she's (mostly) got it held together. At least after she spent some time just leaning into Adrien, absorbing strength and fortitude and composture from him by osmosis. Possibly the kisses helped too. But mostly by osmosis.<br><br>Still, she's firm on that point. "We can toss all the blankets and cushions and mattresses on the floor and just have enough room for everyone, and no stress about getting caught, cause it's our room." She seems firm on that point. "And there's snacks already in there."<br><br>For today? She'll break into the emergency stash that Usagi doesn't know about. Becuase this is going to require snacks. And tissues. If they were a little older, this would require booze, but they are not, so sugar is going to have to suffice.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Stoic was definitely how Ami was trying to handle it though she realizes lgoically she was probably going through a bit of delayed shock now that the actual danger had passed. That numb ache inside her chest was certainly not going to last forever.<br><br> "Yes, there's no reason to get into trouble breaking into a room," she agrees reasonably with Naru on that front while continuing to absently adjust the sleeves of the gown she was wearing. "If there isn't enough room for everyone, I can always ..." Here she is about to say something about leaving so there would be more room. It's something she might normally offer, but the words die on her lips this time as she just stares ahead with a tired expression.<br><br>"Nevermind. We'll make it work I'm sure. We can order pizzas too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>Makoto has been quiet - well, that may not be a surprise. She's been quiet since she rejoined the others, back there at the end. She more or less allowed herself to be herded in Usagi's wake, into the Uber and across campus.<br><br>"I..." she begins, and then pauses, lifting her head to look at the others. One of her hands comes to rest on Ami's shoulder, almost as if to forestall the offer that Ami doesn't actually make. "I'd like to change clothes," she finishes at last, as her other hand traces fingers unconsciously over the embroidery of her gown.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br> Minako too had been quiet, perhaps closer to what the others had first expected Sailor V to be at their first meeting rather than the bright and friendly Minako. But then, even with her stronger memories the portal had shown her things in stark detail she'd not realised she'd been grateful to forget. <br><br> She'd taken solice with Rei, but it had been quiet and comfort, and she'd been grateful for the call and the Usagi-hugs. <br><br> "I think I'd like that...."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:43|Usagi Tsukino (43)}} has posed:'''<br>Naru's already got a suggestion of a plan, which is better than what Usagi, running on emotion translated into action and the sureness that no one, none of them at all, can be alone here. Her eyes are red from tears, but there's an endless well of them, waiting, building in her chest, but the dam won't beak yet, so she has a little more time, a little more room. Rei offers no arguments and Luna murmurs about summoning Artemis from somewhere, where he'd been keeping an eye on things, and Usagi nods a little too fast, hair bangs flopping into her eyes for a moment. <br><br>"There's enough room for everyone," she says and her voice comes out somewhere between firm and pleading, "It's not an option for their not to be, okay? But pizza is a good idea. I'll order, I've got allowance saved up, and..." <br><br>Makoto's quiet words invoke a hurried nod, and before long Makoto's hand is in Usagi's, gripped as tightly as it was as they navigated that final, nightmarish echo. "Of course! Of course, I think - if we're going to me and Naru-chan's room, we're all in the same building, we can... we can stop by your room, then Ami-chan and Mina-chan's, then ours. Rei-chan, we're about the same size, so you can borrow my pajamas if you want? And - and call your grandpa, just in case he's worried." <br><br>She and Minako have never talked about parents, but... she's pretty sure that Rei-chan's the only one of them who will have anyone worried about two days of absence. <br><br>Another reason or no one to be going anywhere alone. "I can order the pizza while we walk, so it'll be here sooner, and if no one wants to make any decisions, I'll just tell them to get us the most popular options and some vegetarian ones too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:59|Naru Osaka (59)}} has posed:'''<br>"We can stop by everyone's room." Naru agrees as the group prepares to travel as a pack. They say girls always go to the bathroom in groups? That's nothign compared to right now.<br><br>Naru takes a slow breath, held a moment, and then let out slowly. Almost in a sigh. Centering. Finding her calm. Her own stoic.<br><br>"There's plenty of room." Naru looks at Ami at that statment, almost pointedly. Daring her to try and opt out in some sort of martyr move. Not on her watch.<br><br>"I'm pretty sure anything's fine, Usagi." Naru confirms on the pizza order as she starts to herd the crew towards Makoto's room. She's the one who wants to change the most, or at least spoke up first.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami Mizuno looks over to Mako when her hand rests on her shoulder. Her own lifts to rest ontop of her friends' with a light squeeze of reassurance that she wasn't about to run off anywhere. "Changing clothes sounds like an excellent idea. We'll draw less attention that way and be more comfortable. Also."<br><br>She pauses to fidget a moment as if about to search her pockets only to realize once again, wrong clothes. Sighing she gestures to 'appear' her phone out of her little pocket space. "Use my card to order the pizzas Usagi. We're going to need a lot, I think, and I have a higher limit than you do. Order drinks too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>"I'm good with anything, for pizza." Makoto doesn't take long at her dorm room, once they get to it - just stuffs a change of clothes and a few other ready essentials into a bag, and then emerges again, shutting the door behind her. <br><br>"I can change in your room," she explains. "Rather that than make everyone wait."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>She should eat, they all should, but could she? Well, she'd try. After all, even the comfort of their fellow senshi being around was comfortable. Following along with the movement to Makoto's own space, she was seemingly left in the memory lingering. <br><br> "Thank you..." she finally adds from her reflection to Naru and Usagi, a bow of her head. "Pizza is a good idea. Anything would do..." <br><br> A little shift, that same thanks was given to Ami, before she comes back to looking back at Rei. <br><br> Surely she wasn't the only one, but certain visuals of that nightmare still lingered far stronger in her brain.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:72|Rei Hino (72)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rei is wearing borrowed clothes for the moment; her move to the school wasn't complete yet, and she had been unusually quiet, even for her, her head set on her knees for most of the after-events. She had found comfort in Minako of course, but stoic, strong and silent until everything comes out explosively was precisely how Rei shouldn't be handling things. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she wanted nothing more than to get back to the shrine and reorganize everything until everything made sense and seemed normal again. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her pale hand gives silent squeezes to Minako's.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:43|Usagi Tsukino (43)}} has posed:'''<br>"That's...probably true, Ami-chan," Usagi says a little sheepishly, because she doesn't have a card with "limits" at all, just a debit card for the bank account her parents deposited her allowance into. Her parents are permissive, but not stupid. Still. She wants to be the one buying, the one taking care of her friends, the one - <br><br>"But I've got this, really. Don't worry about ''this'', okay?" <br><br>And maybe there's a little note of pleading in her voice, a fraction of the guilt and shame that churns inside, something she ''doesn't'' mean to let out, because she gentles her tone even more, adding a quiet, "I'll order some sweets, too." <br><br>Her phone is in her hands, and the order she puts together is genuinely monstrous, probably too much, but that's fine, because even if eating isn't something she actually wants to do, eventually it's going to hit them all, and it's going to be familiar, and comforting, to have food that's hot and ready and easy to eat on hand.<br><br> Is it definitely enough to wipe out her account? Yes, yes it is. It's fine. Money comes back. People don't, except that that they, except that they ''had'', and it was a miracle, ''this'' is a miracle, and delivery is a small price to pay. <br><br>They loiter outside of Makoto's room for just a few moments, and Usagi finds herself uncharitably hoping that Adora isn't around, that she's gone off somewhere so Makochan isn't caught up - and then she's back, and Usagi is quick to nod, quick to join Naru in the herding, as they make their way along the hall to everyone else's rooms. All the while, her eyes skimming over each friend. <br><br>And as they walk, she quietly murmurs to Naru, "Don't think I'm not worried about you too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:59|Naru Osaka (59)}} has posed:'''<br>"Grab pjs." Naru reminds Mako, and others too as they stop by various dorm rooms to collect up overnight bags for a sleepover. "Nothing but comfy things."<br><br>Quite possibly the least energetic sleepover in the history of sleepovers, but functionally, that what it is. A sleepover after what felt like they might never have such a thing again.<br><br>"I'm fine." Naru lies quietly to Usagi, reaching over to give her a quick hug. "I gotcha." And she will, for as long as she can.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami Mizuno gazes at Usagi's pleading only to allow her expressoin to soften just a bit. Money wasn't an issue for her though she rarely let that on--but in this case, Usagi seemed to really, really want to have something she could do for the others. She could understand that.<br><br>"Alright, but if we need to get more later, we'll use mine." Just to ensure that poor Usagi wasn't totally strapped.<br><br>Once Mako comes out of her dorm room it's hers next that she ducks into, and out of, just as quickly. She knew exactly where her pajamas were kept neatly folded and also grabs a spare blanket and pillow. Her arms are a bit encumbered but it's all hugged to her chest with her chin resting ontop of the pile. It made it far more managable. Even comfortable.<br><br>"I'm ready." Even as she says this she allows her gaze to sweep over her friends, and it seems she may be about to say something. Her phone goes off however, and she fishes it out to read the text.<br><br>"Setsuna and the others are alright. They're going to be at their house," she explains breifly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br> Minako's room was probably next, belongings able to be retrieved and maybe they'd have something for Rei to borrow or something of the Miko's own left behind.<br><br> Regardless it's a quick process, the blonde returning with her comfy clothing and belongings stuffed into a bag whose obnoxiously bright coloring ran counter to the grim weight they were doing their best to get past.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:72|Rei Hino (72)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rei dutifully helps Minako carry things in; it's probably Mina's clothing she's borrowed with no desire to return back to the shrine yet. She's combed out her hair though, and she has a ribbon making a low ponytail as she slips in like a ghost behind the senshi of love. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Good." she states quietly, and then reaches up a hand to rub the back of her own neck as she lets out a sigh and collapses bonelessly against a wall to slide down, quiet and blank.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:43|Usagi Tsukino (43)}} has posed:'''<br>"None of us are fine," Usagi murmurs to Naru, "But I've got you too." Her voice is both quiet and tired, and she doesn't speak again until Ami updates them on the Outers, and it's - it's odd, the feeling in her chest, both relief and bitterness, a brittleness to her breathing. The words, "I'm glad," leave her mouth, and they're true, but they're not a complete message. That's not a conversation for the hallway, or the open, or maybe even ever, though. <br><br>Ami, Makoto, and Minako are the only ones with rooms in other dorms, so once they're done with their trip to Minako's room, Usagi leads the way to their dorm - she's already texted Chiyo-chan that they were back, that they were back but it was bad and she'll tell her everything but she'll be crashing in her dorm with all her girls and maybe, just maybe, would she mind coming tomorrow, because Usagi isn't ready to say it, yet. <br><br>When the door is swung open, there's their room, almost exactly as they had left it - messier on Usagi's side, neater on Naru's - with a large basket of sweets and a double stack of homework assignments. The taller one is for Usagi, to be sure, and there's a swelling in her chest, affection and love, because only one person would leave all this for them. She can't quite smile, with the weight of memory and echo and remembrance, but she can feel something give in her chest, a lightness that touches down for a moment, a thought - <br><br>''Mother would have liked Chiyo-chan.'' <br><br>"Chiyo-chan brought you your homework, Usagi-chan," Luna confirms, "Adrien brought Naru hers. The sweets were also dropped off by Chiyo-chan, and though you shouldn't ruin your appetites, some of them are healing treats from Daifuku-chan too. If any of you are hurt, they'll help speed up your healing." <br><br>And she manages something of a smile after all, even as she sweeps everyone in. <br><br>"Okay, so I'm going to get the mattresses down... Mako-chan could you help me get my mattress down, actually," because a quick glance between her and Makoto makes it very clear that Makoto, with her longer reach, might be very helpful with that, "And the food will be here soon, and wait, Mako-chan, you should change first, I can get it after all, it's fine!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:59|Naru Osaka (59)}} has posed:'''<br>The look Naru gives Usagi as her bestie calls her on the blatent lie is fond, and perhaps just a little bit sheepish. None of them are fine. Not even the ones who are sort of, mostly, kinda, almost pretending that they are.<br><br>There is something about the familiarity of home. Dorm room home, but home. Complete with homework that almost does Naru's facade of 'fine' in. They ARE home. And together. All of them.<br><br>"I got it." Not that Naru is any taller than Usagi (shorter in fact. By 2 cm. /2/ frustrating cm.), but Naru tries to shoo Makoto off to change as she aims to start climbing to retrive down blankets and matress and turn their entire room into one massive lounging space. "Push the couch aside, do you think? And just take over the floor entirely?" There's going to be a lot of closeness, and a lot of climbing over things and it will be the right sort of comfortable.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami Mizuno keeps her phone idly in hand in case there were any further updates or messages as they make their way to Usagi and Naru's dorm room. She hadn't changed herself yet for the same reason Makoto hadn't--Wanting to be quick about things so that she wasn't away from everyone's side too long.<br><br>The sight of the homework stacked up when they enter actually draws a smile from her. Something she enjoyed doing at least, so it was a welcome sight. For now. Later she would have to grill Usagi on WHY there was so much for her and make her do it. Or at least that's the thought which runs through her head before she dismisses it entirely. Right now that old urge to make sure Usagi (Serenity?) finished her work wasn't as pressing as it might be.<br><br>"Do we want some music? I could put on some boy bands or something." It's said in a little rush as she stands watching unsure of what to do to help. <br><br>Her glance finds Rei and Minako to offer the pair a weak smile. "I never did get to congratulate you two on getting together. Um. It feels a little odd to say now."<br><br>"I really wish I had a good book."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>Makoto just shakes her head, finding a place to set down her bag. "It's fine," she tells Usagi, and even smiles a little back, though her eyes are tired. "I can manage this much before I change..." She even starts forward to retrieve the mattress, but then Naru is shooing her off, and for a moment there Mako looks almost comically bewildered. Foiled! <br><br>Hesitantly, she collects her bag again and slips off into the bathroom. She'll be a few minutes, changing her clothes and washing her face while she tries not to look at herself too much in the mirror.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br> Minako's hand had interlaced fingers with Rei's, comfort drawn from that small contact seemingly enough to balance out the senshi of love who had been made to watch the memory of her greatest failure, her hollow victory and those dearest to her perish...the touch was a reminder that they were here, now, together. <br><br> Like a breath taken, drawn in, she manages to find a smile returned to Ami. A "Thank you" offered genuinely to the bluenette before she looks back to Usagi and Naru, a simple question that was really a slight reflection of the question rattling in her mind: <br><br> "What can I do to help?" <br><br> Even if she started with just moving a couch, it was something, right?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:72|Rei Hino (72)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's... not really much to say about it. Though I'd prefer it's not..." Rei starts, and she looks to Minako, and then puts on a front, a huff of breath. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If people knew Minako and I were together, can you imagine the tourists that might come to the shrine to see her? I'd have to get new brooms once a week." she gives a huff, closing her eyes, her cheeks puffing out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rei is attempting levity. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... but thank you, Ami." she gives a small, wry smile, and then wipes at her face. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right. What can we help with? Other than a book, I guess."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:43|Usagi Tsukino (43)}} has posed:'''<br>With Naru's help, it's easy to start getting all of Usagi's blankets and pillows and such off of her bunk and down towards Naru's. The mattress will take a little more work, but if Usagi climbs the ladder and lowers it down to Naru, they should both be able to get the mattress... <br><br>But also, everyone is asking to help, and the room isn't that big, so together there won't be too much to do, right? <br><br>"Ami-chan, some music could be good, but there's a few books in the closet with my manga, you might like one of them. Minako-chan, Rei-chan, if you could move the couch back more, we're going to put the mattresses down so we can pile together, but if anyone ''wants'' private space, they can also be on the couch, I guess," her tone conveys her doubts about that. "Mako-chan, there's some more blankets in that cubby next to the bathroom, could just get like, all of them? I guess it's too late to just throw the homework away, but... if you want to hide mine behind that cubby, that would be great." <br><br>It sounds like a joke, but honestly, she never wants to do homework ''again''. Giving everyone a small task like this, it's a good idea, honestly. "And then I think we'll have room to breathe."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:59|Naru Osaka (59)}} has posed:'''<br>Mattresses onto the floor, and blankets and pillows, oh my!<br><br>Everyone has little jobs, and Naru somehow manages amongst all of that to go get changed herself. Capri knit pj bottoms, and a comfy cami pj top with little sheepies all over them. Comfy AND adorbs!<br><br>It's this sort of moment when Naru goes to put the kettle on, because everything is made better with tea. There's plenty, and anyone who wants some is welcome to a hot beverage.<br><br>Eventually Naru is curled up leaning against one of the couches, her hands cradled around a cup of coffee, just absorbing all of the vibes from all of Sailor Scouts.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami Mizuno lets out a little sigh of defeat when asked to put away the homework. At least that's something she can do easily, and so she does. It's neatly stacked, tapped a time or two so that nothing slips out, and she puts it out of sight. For now. She knows where it is, Usagi.<br><br>She lingers a moment at the window looking out over things before quickly shaking her head to get back into the moment. Music. Right. "Okay," she agrees quietly as she pulls out the Mercury Computer to type a few commands. Of course it was a very high tech tool not meant to be used as a toy, but in these circumstances, surely a playlist wasn't a *bad* thing right? The music is a bit upbeat and peppy, love songy at times, and maye not a good fit. For now she leaves it on the table to play quietly though.<br><br>"I'll go change, too, once Mako-chan is done."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>Eventually, the bathroom door opens and Makoto emerges barefoot in an oversize t-shirt and pajama bottoms, with the embroidered green gown carefully over her arm. Her hair's down from its ponytail for once, a mess of curls still damp around her face. "Usagi-chan, Naru-chan... could I borrow a clothes hangar, maybe?"<br><br>She moves out of the way so that anyone else who needs to can get into the bathroom, occupying herself for a bit with getting the gown hung up so she doesn't have to wrinkle it up in her bag. Then she'll find a place to sit down, hands resting in her lap, seeming slightly at a loss.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br> Minako would indeed herself be working at moving the couch with Rei, shifting things into place so Naru could eventually crash and the rest of them could have the space cleared on the floor. <br><br> Pizza, music, company (and a little cuddling in some cases). All the pieces were there for them to feel better. <br><br> They just needed to warm up to it, to give themselves time to move past the lingering of the nightmare. <br><br> For her part, Minako would wait for Ami now, before she'd take her turn getting changed.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:72|Rei Hino (72)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rei hops back to her feet, stretching her shoulders as she turns to move the couch around, giving more space for cushions and mattresses and all the survivors. She took a deep breath and let it back out, looking out over the senshi and Naru, and then eases herself back against the wall for support, working her hands to splayed fingers to loose fists, just for something to do.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:43|Usagi Tsukino (43)}} has posed:'''<br>Before long, the mattress are on the floor and settled with sheets and blankets and pillows, and plenty of stuffed animals for cuddling, and there's nothing to fiddle with her hands on, and the food will be another ten or so minutes. <br><br>Luckily - ''luckily'' - there's Makoto coming back out, asking about a clothes hanger, and Usagi hurries to get it, as Luna curls up on Naru's lap, acting as a not-quite-itty-bitty living weight. <br><br>"Here, Mako-chan, and there's some extras for everyone too... I'm not really sure how to wash these things, but I'm sure we'll be able to figure it out -" <br><br>These things, because most of them now have them, these ancient, long-lost clothes, these last remnants of an ancient life, these dead girls' clothes, and Usagi's skin crawls and abruptly, she's blinking back tears, as the dam in her chest where everything's been building floods over. <br><br>They have everything they need to feel better, soft things, company, snacks here and dinner on the way, and it's not working because - <br><br>"I'm sorry!" Louder than she intends to, but sincere. The words claw at her throat. "I'm - I'm sorry, everyone, I'm so sorry, I was so ''selfish'', I'm sorry, I shouldn't have - I didn't - I left you all behind -"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami Mizuno smiles toward Makoto when she emerges from the bathroom clad in the far comfier, and more-like-her attire than that dressed. She only makes it a few steps to go change herself when Usagi is at the closet and bursts into tears.<br><br>Without even considering the other option Ami drops her little armload of clothes onto the couch across from Naru in favor of turning toward the blonde currently melting down. Her hands plant on Usagi's shoulders as she turns her around to face her.<br><br>"It is *not* your fault, Usagi-chan! You were put in a terrible situation by a terrible woman, and it was *our* responsibility to protect *you* not the other way around."<br><br>The girl who once was and now again is Sailor Mercury purses her lips tight together before stepping in to just hug Usagi tightly. "And it hurt so, so much to see how much pain you were in and we couldn't do anything about it, either." They were all in pain though, especially those having to fight those they had loved as well. "It was just a horrible. Sometimes things are just horrible. You're stronger now though so don't you ever do that again!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>The sudden outburst sends a jolt through Makoto, one that has her lurching right back onto her feet. Before she can even think about it she's moving to where Usagi and Ami are, and she wraps her arms around the both of them.<br><br>"Ami-chan's right," she says more quietly. "And you shouldn't call yourself selfish. It... the whole thing, it was such a terrible tragedy. But we're all here now... so don't apologize. Okay?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br> Internally, all Minako had been stewing over had been her own failures, in the past life and this one alike. The memories of the feeling of despair even as she'd gripped that sword and plunged it into that monster....they were fresh and raw, like a reopened wound. <br><br> And yet, Usagi's apology was a shock to her, an insight perhaps or merely a reminder of the most important thing she'd had to learn when she'd joined the team finally. <br><br> It was never all just on one of them. <br><br> "We're here," she agrees, the other blonde slipping to draw near, to add her embrace to the group hug for this moment. "We're all here together, ready for whatever comes next."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:72|Rei Hino (72)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're right, you know. Whatever comes next. Whatever evil, whatever battle --" Rei pushes herself up and she takes a steadying breath. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her dark eyes wander around the room. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Together, with what we have built through this life, we can face anything." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She teeters slightly, and then gives a soft grunt as she leans back to steady herself. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We have each other." she states, and she reaches down for Minako's hand. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then she puts hers and Mina's hand out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No Matter What Comes Next."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:43|Usagi Tsukino (43)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami's hands are there, and when she tugs Usagi has a moment to think, semi-hysterically, ''Ami-chan's pretty strong, huh?'', before they're facing each other. <br><br>When she looks at her, she can't help but see Mercury, as much as she sees Ami. Can't help but see a woman long-dead, who looked after her, protected her, guarded her, and - it's not that Usagi doesn't believe her. It is, ultimately, truly, ''Beryl's'' fault. But just as Serenity had faltered in that final moment, with the weight of everything crashing around her, with blood hot on her hands and soaking into her clothes, Usagi can't help but falter as she's hugged tight, and then there's Makoto hugging her too, and her quiet surety, and Minako, and there's a group hug happening and - <br><br>"If it's not allowed to be my fault, it's not allowed to be any of yours, either, you know?" <br><br>Quiet, in the midst of the hugs, and she's hugging them as much as they're hugging her, and she's crying, of course she's crying, everything has ''sucked'' so much - <br><br>"We'll do it together, and... I won't do it again. I swear. I didn't ''know'' -" <br><br>And now she's seen exactly what it did to her friends, and she'll never, ever, make that mistake again.<br> <br>
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