08's Dorm
Tarnish: Knock knock knock.
Someone was knocking on the door. As Tarnish lay there on his bed, staring at that wooden ceiling...
Knock knock knock.
They knocked again. He did not budge.
Knock. Knock.
...
...Fuck, tears were welling up in his eyes. He didn't want to be alone right now...even if he really, really felt like he deserved the isolation.
He got up from his bed, and opened the door.
Stranger: Outside were Stranger and Paradi, a sad look on both of their faces...well, in Paradi's case, as sad as they seemed capable of being.
"Tarnish...? Do you mind if we come inside?" Stranger eventually asked. There was an uncomfortable sort of way he clung to his coat.
Tarnish: ...He didn't speak, but did nod, backing up to make space for the two to enter.
Paradi: As Paradi walked inside, they twirled a bit...taking in the scenery of such an unusual room.
"Aaah...what a nice room you have, here. Any reason behind this wooden style?"
Tarnish: "...It reminds me of the attic in which I was raised. A small comfort."
Paradi: They blink. "...Oh. Oh, dear."
Stranger: "...I'm sorry about...what just happened, Tarnish." He says, taking a small walk around. "That's mostly why we came here...to see if you were alright."
Tarnish: As he sits on his bed, he just...glares at them.
Stranger: "...Taking that as a no," he responds, sighing. "Is there anything that could help? Probably not, but..."
Tarnish: "...Do I even deserve such help at this point, Stranger? Even if I am a worldburner, destined for only darkness...perhaps there are some things I must suffer alone."
Paradi: "Well, that's just not true!" Paradi speaks up. They plop themselves next to Tarnish. "What did you tell me just moments ago? 'No...no, this will not do. I will not allow someone with so much potential to live a life so loathing!'...that's what you said to me, mmm?"
Tarnish: "...That's...true..."
Paradi: "Well, then, why not do as you say?"
Tarnish: ...He thinks for a moment. And then, with the smallest smile...he lets out one of those signature giggles.
"I suppose...it is foolish to be such a hypocrite, is it not? I must...keep moving forward."
Stranger: ...Huh. Somehow, Paradi seems to know what to say?(Are they...familiar with what Tarnish is going through?) The thought goes through his mind, but he doesn't know if that's something he can infer right now. He just watches Paradi and Tarnish chat, a patient observer.
Paradi: "Exactly~! If I am to be your 'apprentice', then you must show me how to move past my own sins. I'll be counting on you...so that I, too, may be the worldburner you call yourself."
Tarnish: "...Hah..hahah...!"
He lets out a big, big belly laugh, that familiar smile of his returning. In a moment of joy, he grabs Paradi and Stranger into a grapple-hug.
"And for a moment, I thought of myself as anything less! I thank you for your intrustion, truly! Or else the dear dark forces of mine might have perished!"
Stranger: "Gahk-" He gasped for a moment, surprised. "..Thank you, Tarnish..."
...Though in truth, he didn't really do much. It was mostly Paradi...somehow.
Regardless, he gave a slight purr of calm as Tarnish continued to chuckle. Eventually, he finally let them go.
Tarnish: "Now, now, I have an idea! To combat the despair that prawn is trying to throw us into...perhaps we could have a party! A feast, even! Who can be sad during such an event! It could help strengthen out bond, surely!"
Paradi: "...Mmm, a feast? Sounds wonderful, if I am to help prepare..."
Tarnish: "As if my apprentice wouldn't help me! It would be a glorious moment in such a dull place!"
Stranger: "Eh...I'm not really a cook. Feel free to do whatever, I don't think anyone here dislikes some food."
Tarnish: "Food is the best gift there could ever be, ally of the shadows! And I must go and announce it to all, so that everyone is ready!"
He races out of the room, leaving the other two behind as he regains the pep in his step.
Stranger: ...And with the two of them left alone, Stranger casts his attention to a slyly grinning Paradi.
"...How did you calm him down that easily?"
Paradi: "Ohoh, Stranger...it takes one to know one, does it not? Seems like me and him are the same breed, different colored coats."
They begin to walk out themselves, muttering.
"...Perhaps at least one person here isn't such a sinner...but, no, my beliefs must stay true."
And then they are gone.
Stranger: ...Frankly, this interaction gave him more questions then answers when it comes to Paradi....he's glad Tarnish is alright at least.
(Damn, I need to learn how to deal with people's feelings better...)
He thinks to himself as he leaves Tarnish's room behind.