aftermath [shiloh & adelaide]

[WR Harthe]

WR scoffed a laugh.

“There’s a TSI on every world, innit?” Buncha pussies if you ask me. They rolled their eyes. WR had a bit of a problem with TSI as an organization, but they weren’t going to get into that with daddy’s girl.

“Yeah, hit me up and I’ll help with whatever if I have time. Just don’t get a target painted on your back ‘cause of me, yeah?” They chuckled the last bit, but was dead serious. That was a real risk.

[Adelaide]

Adelaide physically flinched at the mention of there being a TSI on every world.

[Shiloh]

Without so much as glancing at her, Shiloh reached out to place a gentle hand atop Adelaide's, trying to comfort what she knew would be a negative response.

"I don't think anybody would paint a circle on anyone's back. That seems so silly, honestly. I mean, I know there are bad groups of people out and that they'll do whatever to further their cause... but there has to be some way to bring peace to our world." She smiled softly, and for a moment, glanced between Adelaide and WR. "For all of us."

[WR Harthe]

WR scoffed again, grinning at Shiloh’s comment.

“There’s not much for me here. I do what I do for them, and people like you. Day I die, just wanna be able to say I made at least one person’s life better.”

[Adelaide]

Adelaide patted Shiloh's hand to let her know she was better now.

"Yeah, we all hope for as much."

[Shiloh]

"But there is so much for you here, WR. There's so much... for every one of us. There are so many experiences. Family, friends, love... and more than that, just life. Finding things you enjoy, and foods you really like. Drinking hot coffee on a cold day. Snow. Music."

Shiloh smiled, and there was a hint of something akin to sadness there, as she looked at WR. Somewhere, in those beautiful green eyes, was a hint of loneliness, a hint of pain, something that she kept secret and locked far away.

"There is so much beauty here. There are tiny little grand gestures from people all around you that really make life worth living."

[WR Harthe]

WR squinted at Shiloh as she spoke. Her words were true and sincere, but they weren't sure if she actually believe them herself. She was hiding something, and if given the time and opportunity, WR would crack open her shell. Not only did her personality remind her of Sylvye, the pained look in her eyes were almost identical to hers, and they were determined not to lose someone else they cared about. They were determined to prevent another suicide if they could help it.

...not that it was that extreme with Shiloh, but WR couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Something was off about her, and this time, Adelaide seemed to be the oblivious one, unless they were both hiding something.

They would contemplate for a moment before responding, letting Shiloh believe that they were considering her words.

"I'll find something eventually. For now, though, it's not about me. It's about making a difference, 'cause we all know this world needs one."

[Adelaide]

Adelaide smiled at Shiloh grabbing her hand gently.

"Well said."

She would say warmly.

[Shiloh]

Shiloh squeezed her friend's hand in return and then nodded towards WR.

"My father used to always say... Change starts with a single decision, followed by a single action."

It was the first time Shiloh had ever spoken of her parents around Adelaide, or most people. Often, she simply said she was an orphan, or that she grew up at an orphanage... Otherwise, she avoided the subject like the plague... and she was still quick to change the subject.

"I'm going to put together a soup kitchen for tent city soon. I don't ever really go there. Adel says it can be dangerous. But I've got this awesome recipe for Broccoli and Cheddar soup, if I can just find somebody who can make it! I'm not a very good cook, honestly." She chuckled slightly, tilting her head to one side. "And its cold enough right now, hopefully it will warm everybody right up!"

[WR Harthe]

WR nodded, falling silent as they observed the interaction between Shiloh and Adelaide. They then rolled their eyes.

"Yeah, tell me when and where and I'll be there." Was all they had to say on the matter. They were now... somewhat irritated, but they doubted either of them would notice.

[Adelaide]

Adelaide would stare for at Shiloh for a moment and blink. She had never once heard her speak if her parents before. She wanted to ask her about them... but given how quickly she changed subjects...

"I... think I might know someone that can cook for you, that might even be willing to help. I'll have to track them down and ask."

Adelaide would mention to Shiloh.

[Shiloh]

Shiloh nodded with a smile, and that glimpse of whatever it was disappeared, back into the dark place where she hid everything. She clasped her hands together.

"That would be great, Adel. I'd love to get this up and running before too long. It would be really nice if we could get people together to help. Thank you for agreeing, WR! It'll be awesome."

[WR Harthe]

WR, once again, carefully observed the interaction between Shiloh and Adelaide. They were hellbent on finding something to use to open up Shiloh. They knew something was plaguing her, but had no idea what, or where to start. They frowned in temporary defeat until they were addressed again.

"Sure. You guys should probably get going soon, I'm gonna get dressed and force my way outta here. I fucking hate hospitals." They grunted the last part. They were too antsy to lay in a cardboard bed all day, and had way too much to do before year end. They could handle a little pain. After all, they fed on it most days.

[Adelaide]

Adelaide would nod.

"I agree, I'll go see the woman I was thinking about asking for help. Shiloh, you should go get some rest, you've... had a hell of day hun."

Then she would turn to WR.

"Just try not to set any more places on fire, yeah?"

[Shiloh]

Shiloh glanced back and forth, before finally turning to look at WR.

"Are you sure you don't want me to wait? I can help you get home, if you want."