[Video]

[infinitejustice]

[When Athrun appears on the video feed, he looks visibly upset. A thing happened that has left him depressed. What is it? Well...]

For those who knew him...Kira Yamato has disappeared. He's completely gone from our apartment. So he was sent home.

It's...weird. I'm unhappy that he's gone, but...I feel like I should also be relieved. I mean, he's back home. But now...that just leaves me as the only person from my world here. It leaves me feeling lonely.

To those who have been in a similar spot: How did you cope? I could use the advice.

[He then ends the feed, but before it ends the following can be distantly heard:]

Of all the months, why this one...?

Comments

[ video ]

[aceparagon]

...I'm sorry that this happened, Zala-san. Do you want to get something to eat so you don't feel so alone?

[ video ]

[infinitejustice]

[Athrun recognizes Hikaru immediately, though it takes his brain a moment to register her. So there's a pause of a few seconds before he speaks.]

...Ah. Um, I don't know. I...to be honest, I don't feel up to leaving the complex at the moment.

[ video ]

[aceparagon]

That's okay.

[ A pause comes from Hikaru's side as she thinks briefly on what they could do together. ]

I can pick something up and bring it over. You don't have to pay me back at all.

[ video ]

[infinitejustice]

Are you sure? I don't want to be any more trouble...

[Athrun looks concerned on the feed. Even while he's depressed, he's still putting others before himself.]

[youfool]

I'm planning to cope with a similar circumstance through ritual, actually. Such things seem near enough to death that the need for ceremony asserts itself. If I can get this real estate deal through, I plan to do just that. Once the mods get off their duffs natch

There's always the chance that they'll return, as some have, but that's the kind of hope that hurts if left unsatisfied.

Until then just...pray, I suppose. I like to think those who remain are meant to, and those who don't are better served elsewhere.

[infinitejustice]

So, something akin to a funeral?

[Athrun has mixed feelings about that idea. He understands the need for closure, but as far as he's concerned, he'll go home some day, so it won't be permanent.]

I can appreciate that sentiment. I guess there's nothing else to do for now.

( audio; )

[thelastdruid]

[He just showed up earlier, and the tone here...gives him a bit of concern. He's actually not the only one from his world here, but...she's from before she ever met him, and that might as well be like being alone.

Problem is, he's not really sure how to cope with that just yet.]

...is...being here really that bad? Newbie doesn't really know.

[Video]

[infinitejustice]

[Oh. Athrun was giving somebody the wrong impression. That wasn't what he wanted to do.]

Oh, I'm sorry. It's not necessarily a bad place to live, though...problematic occurrences can happen. They're not that common, at least.

[Video]

[thelastdruid]

[Nathan frowns at the video feed.]

So, are all the other people stuck here just intentionally vague all the time? What "problematic occurrences"?

[Video]

[infinitejustice]

I'm sorry. It's just that they vary so much that it's hard to cover everything in specific terms. The best I can do is provide some examples, if you're interested in hearing them.

[Video]

[aurabble]

I'm sorry, Athrun. I...wish I could say something that would help.

You can hang out at our place if you want. Or we can all do something. I'm sure I can drag some of the others into it.

[Video]

[infinitejustice]

It's all right. I appreciate the thought, if nothing else.

[He offers a sad smile. Here he's doing a bit of reassuring. Funny how these things turn out.]

Maybe. I'm not actively looking to leave the complex here, since...well, I think we all know what sadness does to a person. Maybe I could catch a cab. Less effort that way.

[Video]

[aurabble]

I know, I just...I can pick you up, if you want! That way you don't find an excuse to be alone. I can handle the cab too.

Video

[greenmagick]

[Terra feels a little bit awkward after the auction but Athrun is still her friend.]

If there is anything I can do... Please let me know.]

Video

[infinitejustice]

Well...you're free to come over. Though I don't want to inconvenience you.

[Still thinking of his friends before himself.]

Video

[greenmagick]

Ah, yes. I can come over.

[She glances around the shop and then places the phone down. Her voice can be heard softly talking to someone else informing them that she's stepping out of the shop for a bit. She then grabs her things, picks up the phone and walks towards the door.

Valentine's day is still coming up and Terra's shop has a lot of orders but she'll be there for a friend.]

Should I bring anything?

video;

[namemeansbeauty]

How does on cope with what? Loss or feeling alone?

video;

[infinitejustice]

The pain of loss here. I'm no stranger to loved ones dying, but this is totally different.

video;

[namemeansbeauty]

I guess it can be different, but considering what we know I'm starting to wonder a few things. [What Liv had said a while back came to her mind.]

But that is just me. As for coping, it all depends on the person, some people like to deal with it in there own way, but sometimes friends help.

video;

[truesmiles]

Sorry about your loss. I can understand losing someone and how much it hurts. But all I can say about it, is it will take time to be able to cope with it.

video;

[infinitejustice]

I know. It isn't the first time I've lost loved ones. However, in that case, I always knew that it was permanent. This time, I know its permanence is far from certain.

video;

[truesmiles]

I always put it this way. The longer it goes, the less likely it seems that person will actually come back.

[video]

[cuteisawayoflife]

I don't have any advice, but if you need a shoulder to cry on I'd be glad to go out for a soda with you! I'll even pay!

[video]

[infinitejustice]

[That gets a look of surprise out of Athrun. Was he just asked out on a date by someone he's never met?]

Ah, well. I'm just. Generally feeling down, nothing worse than that. I, ah, appreciate the offer, though.

[That, and he's not really feeling up to going anywhere under his own power right now.]

[video]

[cuteisawayoflife]

[Hey, it's a first for her, too. Quinn usually doesn't do the asking, plus she doesn't even know what kind of car this person drives!]

Well, did you want to just talk? I'm a good listener. [Sort of. She tries.]