video

[sos_pilot]

[ The video is late at night - not too late to wake a bunch of people up, but it's definitely different than Della's usual videos where it's an earlier time. Not to mention she kinda... looks like hell. Bags under her eyes, all the usual signs of exhaustion - but it's more than that. She actually looks emotionally beat up. ]

... Hey, guys. I figured I owed a bunch of you an explanation about my behavior last mission. Look, I know a lot of the time I'm all "woo, adventure, let's beat up monsters, yeah!" everywhere we go, but last time I was more... out of control. Not listening to anyone, still trying to fight even when I was literally falling apart... and I am sorry. I shouldn't have to make you guys worry more than you already have to, especially in the middle of a dangerous fight.

... Here's the deal. All of you are amazing, you have to know that on some level. You've got super powers, you've got metal bodies, you've got magic, and even of those of you who are about to say "Oh, I'm just some ordinary human" - you're not. So many of you have amazing abilities with your weapons, brilliant minds that have led kingdoms and companies, you're all wonderful, and should be so proud of yourself. I'm proud of each and every single one of you.

... And all I can do is land a solid punch every now and then. Back home, I... I was on a team. My family. They all had their own special talents too, and when I finally came home, maybe some part of me wondered... if they really needed me after all, since they'd done so well without me for ten years. And now, here I am, and I can't even do the one thing I at least KNOW I'm good at, being a pilot. Here, I'm just... me.

[ She sighs, taking off her pilot's cap to run a hand through her hair. ]

Dang, I didn't mean to ramble. Just... I'm sorry. I'll try to make sure it won't happen again.

... 'Night, guys.

[ For anyone wanting to check in on her, she can be found in the lower-carriage of the library, wordlessly thumbing through her copy of the Junior Woodchuck Guide, though not really reading it. ]

Comments

[sos_pilot]

[ She smiles, but as she does, the tears are welling up. She's so fortunate to know so many wonderful, amazing people. She doesn't want to screw up and hurt them like she hurt her family. ]

... Got any gizmo for a good hug? Cause... I'm starting to feel I really need that one.

[blitzcheer]

[ His enthusiasm comes to a halt, but at least it doesn't sink. Except, he does cool it intentionally, his smile spreading more warmly than energetically. The hand he'd started to wave lowering, and with a second- ]

You can't let anyone else know. [ But he shifts his chair, coming better to face her, arms opening. ] C'mon - all of you, right here.

[ Right on his lap. This isn't the time for awkward leaning hugs, Della. Time to use this size difference proper so Tidus can embrace her better. ]

[sos_pilot]

[ And she goes all in. No hesitation, just diving on in.

The height difference makes her think of her childhood, and being hugged by her Uncle Scrooge. Her heart tugs at the fond memory - and at all those she misses.

The tears come without warning, and she buries her face into Tidus's shoulder, sniffling. ]

[blitzcheer]

[ He wraps his arms around her, and he doesn't speak to interrupt her - or her tears anyway, what she needs to let out. It's not the first time today he's had to hold someone like this, and it's getting so common now for him to do. Wearing at his heart too; the pain people are going through, and though it's usually to do with the train, feeling inadequate - that's nothing new.

There's promises he wants to make, but he holds them back on his tongue. Something like this--Della will need to overcome most of all, through her own strengths. He'll just has to believe in her, help where he can.

Just hopefully, she'll remember to accept it: the help already surrounding her, just like she gives out too. ]

[sos_pilot]

[ Eventually, Della calms down enough to pull away... Sort of.

She shifts, and then leans up to, lightly, put a motherly kiss on Tidus' forehead.

Just let her have this. Just this. ]

... Thank you, Tidus.

[blitzcheer]

[ and then tidus melted into nothing at the impact of one motherly kiss.




Or, no. But it does make Tidus's cheeks warm with some embarrassment, any colour not so noticeable against his skin. He makes a bit of a face, but it's hardly there, eyes darting aside before sheepishly coming back. ]

Yeah. [ Yeah, don't worry about it. He lets his hands drop down her back, offers less awkwardly, more genuine: ]

Let's hope you get to see your family soon. [ As slow-going as that hope has been so far. Still: ] Whatever you do - you're fighting to get back to them.

[sos_pilot]

... Yes. Always, and forever.

[ She strokes his hair, and then begins to slide off his lap. ]

... And I know you won't give up either. I don't think you know how.