I think... Back then, I was a different person, in a way. I wanted to do the right thing, but sometimes I was too scared to follow through with what that meant. So I was really relieved I wouldn't have to hurt anyone else, since - I mean, even if it was the best option we had, it didn't feel right. You know? [...] But a lot's happened back home, since then. I think if I'd been there after experiencing everything else I have recently, I would have handled it better. Or at least, I wouldn't have wanted to run so badly.
...experience does change things. [they mull over that quietly.] I don't think there really is a right or wrong answer. Of course things would be different if you had lived longer and through other things. But that's the thing about learning and growing.
It happened. So now all we can do is carry on. Right?
[but rupert doesn't get to agree or disagree before another shower of stardust falls...the figures may be slightly fuzzy and hard to make out, but rupert sees a memory.
You walk for a while, and you don’t even know where you’re going. Does it matter? You’re together. It’s always been the two of you, even before it was the three of you. And so it doesn’t surprise you when he speaks again.
“I always figured I was better at stuff than you. Are you mad?”
You shrug. “No. I kinda always thought you were better at everything, too.”
There isn’t any room for argument then as you see a light ahead. You respect his wishes to set him down, and the two of you make your way toward the water. You think he’s behind you, and so you idly comment that maybe the two of you are the same. It isn’t until there’s no reply you realize he’s collapsed.
You run. But then you sit down in the sand side by side and watch the waves.
“…if the world is made of light and darkness…we’ll be the darkness.” You hum in your agreement. At least the other side of things is safe. You think that maybe…it wouldn’t be so bad. Being here. Knowing you accomplished something. Knowing you still aren’t alone even if you’re here.
He eventually requests to go to the water, and soon you feel the cool ocean lapping at your feet.
“…to tell you the truth, I was jealous of you. I wished I could live life the way you do. Just…”
You idly think that your best friend is, actually, kind of an idiot.
“Yeah, well, I’ve got my share of problems, too. Like…wanting to be like you.”
His answer surprises you. The advantage of being him…is having you for a friend? After all this time…but no. It does make sense, doesn’t it? After all…
“I’m okay the way I am. I’ve got something you could never imitate, too.”
A comfortable silence settles over you both. The dark sky wraps around you, the sea breeze over your skin and you think that this is it. If this is what the darkness means…you think you can handle it together.
...it was back then, yes. And it would have been if things ended there, but naturally things changed and progressed. Further experience came to fruition.
[they seem a little distracted, but that's maybe because of the memory itself.]
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[he gives it some honest thought for a moment.]
I think... Back then, I was a different person, in a way. I wanted to do the right thing, but sometimes I was too scared to follow through with what that meant. So I was really relieved I wouldn't have to hurt anyone else, since - I mean, even if it was the best option we had, it didn't feel right. You know? [...] But a lot's happened back home, since then. I think if I'd been there after experiencing everything else I have recently, I would have handled it better. Or at least, I wouldn't have wanted to run so badly.
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It happened. So now all we can do is carry on. Right?
[but rupert doesn't get to agree or disagree before another shower of stardust falls...the figures may be slightly fuzzy and hard to make out, but rupert sees a memory.
...and gemini is silent again. hm. unfortunate.]
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...Is that really alright with you?
[being the darkness.]
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[they seem a little distracted, but that's maybe because of the memory itself.]
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[a beat, and then:]
Uh, vaguely, assuming you can't tell me exactly.
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