I'll tell you all how the story ends

[cleartranquil]

Who: Ghost Quest kids and all those who want to see them.
What: So as it turns out, going against the label might've been a bad move. Who knew, right? 
When: Feb 3rd and after 
Where: Pride HQ
Warnings: Talk of torture, aftermath of violence, aftermath of brainwashing, dudes there's some dark stuff.

For the past three days, the troublemakers and ghost helpers of Pride Records were kept locked away from their friends and their bands. 

As far as everyone else knew, they were just gone. And then they were back. 

They are all worse for wear, some far more than others and some much more mentally than physically, but they are all returned to their penthouses, finally, at the end of their ordeals. 

But, at least they're back. Somewhat in one piece. For the most part. 

Comments

[dishevelment]

If being someone's grandma means making sure that they're safe and unharmed, then it's a role I'll gladly take on.

[He was teasing half heartedly-- there was no disguising the worry he was trying to hide.]

[traumatizing]

[Ah. He feels really guilty about that. He knows Koumei's probably not trying to make him feel bad, just playing along, but it hits him in the gut regardless.]

... What about you? [Terry's still staring at the food, but he feels like the implication should be clear. Hopefully. 'Who makes sure you're safe?'] Are you... Okay?

[dishevelment]

[The teasing twinkle in his eyes fade at the implications of what Terry was asking. He hadn't intended to make anyone feel guilty at all, but there was only so long they could continue skirting around the subject that everyone was pointedly trying to ignore.]

I'm in one piece, and by the grace of someone, somewhere, I still have my head. That makes me a lot luckier than a lot of people out there right now.

I'm also feeling like....myself.

If there's anything you want to talk about, or anything you need, you're safe to mention it. I will personally make sure that nothing comes of anything you want to say.

[traumatizing]

[Terry nods slowly, still not actually looking at Koumei. A third thanks in such a short space of time feels like a bit much, but he really does appreciate all this.]

... Same goes for you, you know. [He pauses to try some of the tea now it seems cool enough to drink.] You never really talk about your shit, don't think I haven't noticed.

[dishevelment]

[Somehow, he wasn't surprised that Terry had been so observant. They all were quiet sorts, in a way.]

That's because my problems aren't enough to worry other people over-- and someone needs to pretend to have it together so others can be strong as well.

[traumatizing]

You sound like me. And Garnet. [Terry raises an eyebrow, sounding a little more like himself since they're not talking about him.] You know I'm just gonna worry more if you don't talk to me, right?

[dishevelment]

....you can worry as much as you like but, unless you know anything about the military culture of ancient Imperial China, then I doubt you can help.

[his tone was grave, serious:]

Besides, there's no way to help the living dead. I'm at peace with whatever That Man has to face.

[traumatizing]

I could look it up? [But okay. Point made.] I'm not gonna push you, or anything. But if you need to talk-- That and writing terrifying electronic music are pretty much my only skills.

[dishevelment]

[Koumei chuckled for real at that.]

Like I said, don't worry about it. I'll let people know more once I've got a few more clues, but I think I'm getting close to making some sense of this puzzle.

Just worry about yourself.... And keep your nose clean. We don't want anyone getting wrong ideas about you.

[traumatizing]

"Wrong ideas"? [Snort.] You make it sound like I'm a drug baron instead of an idiot.

[dishevelment]

Maybe, but do you have any doubt of my meaning?

[traumatizing]

Yeah, don't worry. I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna be doing anything like this again.

[dishevelment]

I should hope not.

[And, with that, he sighed.]

If you decide you want to talk about what happened while you were away, you know that we'll be here to listen.

[traumatizing]

I know. [It's never gonna happen, but it's nice to have the offer anyway. He smiles a little weakly.] I appreciate it.