[WEEK 3, THURSDAY MORNING: Keith]

[spinatalltale]

[she comes across him by complete accident while they're both outside, on the beach, and just. watches him stumble about, face pale and brow covered in sweat, before she finally speaks up]

I thought losing limbs was supposed to be a foolproof cure for the stupids.

[she's pleasant??]

Comments

[spinatalltale]

[KEITH PLZ]

Hey.

[she isn't done yet, come on]

Do you really regret your decision to go out there that much?

[alienated]

[It's okay. He's too fucked up at the moment to storm away with his usual speed, so he only gets a step or three away before she speaks up again.]

... No. [Firmly.] Someone had to go out there.

[Because in the end, isn't it worse to sit on the possibility of knowledge in fear that it might be too dangerous? Playing it safe won't get them anywhere when people are already dying.]

But I regret that my decision got people hurt. If I had been more careful, or better prepared—

[He doesn't know how anyone back home expects him to be a leader when being a hothead and not thinking things through is a running theme here. People keep getting hurt or dying and he doesn't know what the fudge to do, man.]

[spinatalltale]

[listen to the Mags, that's what he should do]

If ifs and buts were a can of nuts, oh what a feast we would have. ♪

[she says in a sing-song voice, but despite the melody it conveys no emotion]

You can't change the past, can you? Only your future.

[she has a point, here]

Remember what I said about following your heart? Regardless of the consequences, don't ever second guess what it says. Is it really telling you to wallow in senseless guilt right now?

[alienated]

[She does have a point. A very good one, actually, and it's enough to make him abort his plans to leave. He's avoiding looking at her, but...]

It's telling me the same as it always has: To keep going.

[Don't stop. Never give up. Fight, fight, fight until he can't even stand up on his own.

That's not always a good thing, though.]

[spinatalltale]

[she can be helpful when she wants to be. which is, like. once in a blue moon?]

Oho, so that fire in you is still burning. It would've been a shame had it gone out.

But do you have something with which to temper yourself, so you don't accidentally fizzle into cinders?

[she knows it's not always a good thing, but hey. she's pleased to see the determination nevertheless]

[alienated]

[The blue moon has blessed him today, because he's glancing back at her with the tiniest bit of awe. He's too honest not to let it show.]

I do.

[He closes his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath — and then he just kind of. Grips his right shoulder, gently enough not to upset what's left of his arm. It's ~symbolic~.]

Someone important once told me "patience yields focus." It's good advice, I think.

[spinatalltale]

. . .

They sound a little boring.

[MAGILOU???]

But hey, if that's what floats your goat, then go for it.

[that's not the saying]

[alienated]

He's not. [MAGILOU, STOP DOING THIS.] How would you know if you haven't met him?

[keith, five seconds ago: ready 2 cry

keith, now: ready 2 fight]

Ugh— Never mind! It doesn't matter. You asked.

[spinatalltale]

[her grin turns sharp and knowing]

Sure, sure. And I did ask. Your answer is acceptable, although it isn't like you need my approval in the first place, right?