video; un: seeingtheworld

[schoolingfish]

[When Luca comes onto the screen, it looks like he's been crying.]

So...um...I just wanted to let everyone know that Varian and Fern are gone. They...probably turned back into squids. Which...I mean, they're still together, so it's fine. They're fine. They're happy out there in the ocean, doing squid things, and really it's not like it's the first time I've realized I'm going to be separated from the people I care about, so...

[After all, when he went to school he was separated from Alberto and his family, expecting to not see them until the summer. Then he ended up here and realized he might very well never see them again. Still, having a feeling of loss strike him like this even in his new life when he's still longing for the people he loves from his previous one to show up...it hits him hard, and he looks like he might start crying again.]

So I'm fine, too.

[This is obviously a lie.]

That's all. I just thought everyone should know.

[He ends the recording right there.]

Comments

[schoolingfish]

I...

[He realizes he really can't argue with that.]

I know. It just seemed like it would hurt less if I told myself it was fine.

[imaglyphwitch]

It won't. As someone who's tried that before, trust me. It's a bad idea, especially if you try to do it in this world.

Do you want to talk about it?

[schoolingfish]

Yeah. I think I do.

[imaglyphwitch]

[Luz took a moment, and then she was downstairs, next to Luca, and had him in a hug.

She knew he needed it, but she needed it just as much. In the mature, quietness of accepting they were gone, there was a part of her still crying in the dark, still remembering snatches of moments that made their being gone all the more painful. They'd been family, and just like Eda and Margot, she would miss them terribly.

And right now, that feeling was rawer than ever].

[schoolingfish]

[Luca hugs her back, knowing, genuinely feeling that they both needed it. Still, he's glad to know he can give her some comfort just as much as she's comforting him. It makes him feel useful when seeing how easily people can just disappear from this place otherwise makes him feel so helpless. He cries, not even trying to hold it back anymore. The network can't see him, he doesn't have to keep his composure.]

[imaglyphwitch]

[Luz held him and was reminded that even though he seemed younger than she was, they were close to the same age, only he was still processing grief. Luz had unfortunately gotten aged with how much pain and frustration had been a part of her living in these worlds.

It was hard. She sobbed quietly with him, holding him and thinking of a certain raven-haired older boy she wouldn't see anymore.

[schoolingfish]

After a long pause, he finally speaks.

Do you think...do you think they'll ever come back?

[imaglyphwitch]

[Luz was quiet a moment].

I don't know. I wouldn't count it though. But if they don't? We still have each other.

I won't forget that for anything.

[schoolingfish]

You're right. I'm going to miss them, but at least we're not alone.

[Though with how this place can be...he's honestly worried he might be jinxing himself.]

And I won't forget that, either.

[imaglyphwitch]

Me neither. It really did hurt when I felt that Bond with Varian slowly go out. But I still have one with you and Ahiru, and I promise you, it's strong!

[She gave him a hug].

We'd better find a way to get this news to Reaper. He'll want to come back to the house as soon as he can.

[schoolingfish]

Yeah...you're right. Do you know where he usually goes when he's not at home?

[imaglyphwitch]

Well right now he's with Darth Maul. He was recovering from corruption himself.

[schoolingfish]

Oh. Well, then I know how I'm going to tell Reaper then, because I got a message from Maul.

[imaglyphwitch]

Oh! All right then?

[schoolingfish]

Yeah, it was mostly him wanting to know if I wanted to talk about it, so Reaper's probably already gotten the message, anyway.

[Sure, he knows that Maul had a shaky relationship with Varian and Fern after some of the stuff he'd done, but Luca doesn't want to push anyone away at a time like this.]

I'll make sure he knows to tell Reaper, though, just in case.

[imaglyphwitch]

That's good. I hope we see Reaper soon, honestly. I'll feel better once everyone that's left is in the house again.

Speaking of that though, I wanted to let you know I was going to invite Zib to come live with us. Do you have any objections?

[schoolingfish]

Me too.

That's great! I think he should have moved in ages ago, really. I mean, I know we didn't have a bed for him, but...I'm glad he'll be in the house!

[imaglyphwitch]

Yeah, I think the reason before was that we didn't have the space, but now? Well, we definitely have it a few times over!

[schoolingfish]

Yeah...I'm glad we have enough space for him, even if I really wish we hadn't gotten it like this.

[imaglyphwitch]

I agree.

But I know it's something they would have wanted, if they got to have a say in it.

[schoolingfish]

Oh yeah, definitely.

[imaglyphwitch]

Gonna tell him he can use Varian's lab too. It wouldn't be right to have that place just collecting dust.

[schoolingfish]

That would be great. Maybe I can help him out with stuff just like I'd help Varian! It was a great way to learn about different stuff.

[imaglyphwitch]

Yeah, exactly! I'm sure he's like to have some help every once and a while, and think of all the cool tech he's seen! Just be sure to try and get as much background information that you can. That goes for the tech, and for Zib.

[She definitely could see he had some demons. Of course, they all did anyway, didn't they? But even the WAY demons manifested was complicated and very different].

[schoolingfish]

Yeah! I will! And I'm sure even if I don't know a lot, it probably just helps to have someone else to hand you things!

...although I think it'll be easier to find out more about the information than Zib. But I'll at least keep an eye on him and make sure he's doing okay.