Week 0, Post-Investigation: Eleanor

[withsadness]

[Mary is pretty sure she remembers seeing Eleanor crying after Utena's body was announced. She hadn't had the chance to talk to her then, but she tracks her down later at the hotel, knocking on her bedroom door.]

Hello? Heeelllooo?

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[exorcismo]

[ Eleanor answers the door with a start, seemingly surprised by the voice on other side. She'd meant to check in on her herself, but in the mess of everything after well, their findings, she'd forgotten. ]

Mary, are you alright? You shouldn't be traveling between rooms so carelessly you know.

[ She's not her mom but she can't help but chide. It's in her nature. Eleanor ushers her into the room. ]

Did you need something?

[ There is a note of concern in her voice even with how clearly disheveled from her own circumstances. ]

[withsadness]

[I hope you don't mind glitter, Eleanor, because she got some all over herself while she was "investigating" and as soon as she's inside the room she gives Eleanor a hug. So, now she's going to end up a little glittery by virtue.]

I wanted to make sure that you aren't too sad.

[exorcismo]

[ She's frozen at first, not quite reacting any which way.

Great job Mary-- she's only just gotten done crying, but the water works start up again.

It's been a very long time since anyone has hugged her. ]

I'm sorry.

[ It comes out a little sniffly and its punctuated by a hiccup, but she hugs Mary back, paying the glitter no mind. ]

I should be the adult, I shouldn't be like this.

[withsadness]

But it's normal for people to be upset when something like this happens, isn't it? So you don't have to be sorry, or feel bad...

[It feels nice to hug someone and be hugged back so she doesn't let go, and makes no move to. She'll let Eleanor draw back when she's ready.]

I know you were trying really hard to convince people not to play.

[exorcismo]

That's kind of you to say.

[ It doesn't make her feel like any less of a fool for how she's carried herself, but the sentiment pulls at her heartstrings no less.

She pulls away after a moment, and it's only then does she notice the glitter. ]

Ah, I see you've been quite occupied. Should I even ask?

[ She doesn't even bother to dust it off, a little entranced by the way it shimmers on her clothes. ]

[withsadness]

Oh...I was just trying to make my pictures sparkly. Instead, I made me and Akira sparkly.

[Mostly Akira. Mary smiles up at Eleanor.]

Now you're sparkly, too, so you don't have to be so sad!

[exorcismo]

Well I certainly look better than I feel right now.

[ It gets a smile out of her at least. Mostly Eleanor is grateful that Mary wasn't forced to find anything unsightly. ]

You seem to be faring much better than me, though. You're very strong to be able to still think of others at a time like this.

[withsadness]

That's because my friends are the most important thing in the world to me.

[Nothing can compare to the smiles on their faces!]

I wish I had a handkerchief I could give you.

[exorcismo]

The makeover you've given me seems to have sufficed in drying my tears just as well.

[ The quiet mirth in her voice is genuine. It's been a long time since she's gotten a chance to speak with someone younger than her.. admittedly she prefers it over anything else.

Children never try to make you feel less than. ]

Can I be honest with you? I don't have too many friends, even before I came here I didn't have many. So.. I'm happy! Grateful, actually, that you've let me be one to you.

[withsadness]

Oh! Then I'm really happy to be your friend!

[Mary's eyes shine.]

I'd only made two friends back home, and they decided to hate me before I died, so I know just what you mean!

[exorcismo]

[ Oh no, that makes her sad. And in a strange way it's very.. relatable? ]

That was cruel of them.

[ She reaches over and tucks a bit of Mary's hair behind her ear in a show of affection. ]

Anyone who couldn't appreciate your kindness doesn't deserve you as a friend.