AUDIENCE FOR: Rupert

[guestservices]

Comments

[agleam]

I'd say it still matters... I'm sorry to hear that.

[guestservices]

[...there's just. a tired sigh.]

Yeah, well. Can't do much with it. Thanks though. [. . .] But let's just pretend that didn't happen, okay?

[agleam]

What, the memory?

[tilting his head.]

One could argue you didn't pretend mine didn't happen... [shut up rupert. anyways, it's clear he's joking when he continues on.] Secret's safe with me.

[guestservices]

That's different and I'll happily stop making fun of you in exchange. [they will not, but for now they seem almost melancholy about it.] But it's appreciated.

[agleam]

Ha - done deal, then.

[but, after a moment:]

...You okay?

[guestservices]

[. . .]

Well enough. It'll be fine.

[agleam]

Okay.

[all the same:]

I'm sorry that you're not together, right now.

[guestservices]

...mm. Kinda feel like I should say that about you instead?

[agleam]

You should!

[rupert]

But that doesn't mean I can't say it, too.

[guestservices]

Okay. Then...here's to mutual sympathy or whatever.

[agleam]

[he snorts, a little amused, before he nods.]

Here's to mutual sympathy.

[guestservices]

[...they scratch their cheek. ]

Anyway...now that that's over with. Wanna do something else much less awkward?

[agleam]

Sure. Did you have something in mind?

[guestservices]

Well...how much are you gonna hate suggesting we head to Wiwaldi?

[agleam]

[he snorts.]

Actually, I wouldn't really mind at all. You ready now?

[guestservices]

Sure. I could stand getting out for a while, but maybe you should lead.

[agleam]

Ha, sure, I can play tour guide.

[off they go towards the door!]

[guestservices]

[they fall into step!]

Pretty sure I could figure stuff out myself, but it's been a while since I've been to a school.

[agleam]

[off they go through the door! and they come out into the rock wall and lazy river combo.]

...Huh. You know, I don't think I really got the chance to see this place.

[guestservices]

Because you were in the daycare by then? Or you just never came by?

[they are looking up at the wall.]

[agleam]

Mm, mix of both. I was in the day care when it opened up, but I also didn't make it a point to check it out after we all came back to the school.

[guestservices]

I wouldn't be surprised to hear you just wanted to get the hell out as soon as you got back.

[agleam]

Ha... Well, luckily, we came back when we still had a few days before the end.

[guestservices]

...can I ask you something that might be overstepping? How'd you guys get back?

[agleam]

Sure. Um, the principal, who was also a bear, had been stuck in there with us for weeks because he... lost his keys.

[you can hear the exhaustion in his voice for several seconds but it's fine]

Once he found all of them, we got into a place that had all of our records in it. Everyone who'd gotten killed on a Thursday night was listed as having flunked out, and everyone who got executed was listed as having been expelled, so we changed those to passing grades and enrollment. Then the doors opened and we got to walk out.