third sacrifice : video;

[handholding]

[The video comes on shakily, the hands holding the SFC seeming to tremble. There are no tears on the tanned boy's face, but there is no mistaking the upset there.]

Wander has been sent away by the god of this place...

He hasn't been home in several days. I searched but, I'm-- [alone...] ... I'm certain he's no longer in the city...

[He doesn't say anything for a long time, just looking around, presumably at apartment that only he occupies now]

... what do I do now... ?

[It's muttered only to himself, but it's the last thing he says before the SFC is turned off]

Comments

[Video]

[fightforastar]

I'm sorry. Is that who you were staying with, sweetie?

[420]

Hey, lil' bro.

[He sounds soft, much softer than normal at least.]

Maybe your bro will be back soon.

[Video]

[handholding]

Yes...

[Don't mind that sniffling. He's just trying to not cry.]

[handholding]

I'm not sure about that...

[Mainly because Wander had often hinted that if he were to return, there was a bad fate waiting for him.

He never said it out right, but the implication was enough for Ico to pick up on.]

[Video]

[fightforastar]

...do you need some company?

[420]

Shouldn't all be in the motherfuckin' business rightly of giving up hope like that. Shit'll turn out fine. It always does.

[He thinks for a moment.]

Wanna crash here until your bro get to being back?

[even if that is forever, that is cool. That is basically how he got all his other hive-mates.]

[handholding]

[Things will always turn out fine. Until you start dealing with dark gods and colossi...]

... stay with you?

[He's not sure why he's shocked by the offer. He just... is.]

[Video]

[handholding]

N-no...

... yes. I-- ... I don't want to stay here anymore...

[420]

Yeah! See, what my main man Wataru did all get to schoolfeeding me on was that any motherfucker what be achin' for it could get their rest on at our hive. If you wanna I'm sure we done could be findin' you a motherfuckin' spot. Can't be feelin' like my bros would be against that.

[handholding]

... I would... like that. I don't want to stay here alone...

video;

[dreamchasing]

Oh, Ico ...

You're welcome to come back here if you need a place to go. I don't think anybody will mind at all.

video;

[handholding]

Oh...

A-actually Gamzee offered for me to go to his place...

Thank you, though. I promise I'll visit again soon!

[420]

[He gets that. Being alone is a pretty raw deal.]

Hey, where you at? Then a motherfucker can all fuckin' hoof it over, we get you shit and we get on back here, no biggie.

[handholding]

[Too many reminders of Wander there, for sure.]

Oh. I'm at... [Insert name of random small apartment here]

I can meet you somewhere though, if you want.

[420]

Naw, s'cool, I can find that.

[after two wrong turns and five minutes of lost wandering, sure. Details, details!]

[handholding]

Okay...

[It's a good thing Ico is patient. He'll just sit there and wait, and try not to feel horrible.]

[420]

[Knock knock.

No, this is not a joke, Gamzee just managed to actually find the right place.]

[handholding]

[Who's there--

Oh. Of course.

It's a good thing Ico doesn't know Knock Knock jokes anyway.

The door opens a few seconds later, Ico already packed with a small bag over his shoulder. There's other belongings in the apartment, but he's not even going to try and bring them along.]

[420]

Hey dude.

[Even with the sad ongoings, Gamzee greets Ico with a ruffle of the hair. Gotta stay positive even in situations like this. Gamzee has seen enough people leave that he knows getting really sad about it doesn't help a lick.]

That everything you need?

[handholding]

[The hair ruffling gets a little noise from the boy, but there's no protest at it. He just nods, forcing a sad smile.]

[Video]

[fightforastar]

I'm sure I could make room if you need it.

[420]

[His hand slips away from his hair so he can loosely drape an arm around Ico's shoulders.]

It's gonna be all right, okay? You come and crash with us motherfuckers and we gonna have the fuckin' best of times with it.

[Video]

[handholding]

Actually... Gamzee offered to let me stay with him. ... thank you, though.

[handholding]

Mn... [He nods encouragingly, trying to see the brighter side of the situation.]

Thank you, Gamzee.

[420]

Hey, no biggie, aight? That be what friends are fuckin' for. What kinda mirth would it all be bringin' to me to be knowing my bro be all sorts of down at himself all alone?

[Ssshh, Ico, it's okay. You've been adopted into loving troll arms. He raised that goose up right, he's sure he can manage you up too.]