[This is a small lie. He isn't fine because the emotions from the memory were like a sucker punch, but! At least he isn't full on sobbing. Who do you think he is, Yamato?
He reaches up to rub under his eye with the bottom of his wrist.]
[Luke is solidly in friend territory by now, and being a friend means Lalli has no trouble invading his personal space. So when he sees Luke wiping at his face, Lalli pulls up the sleeve of his sweatshirt into his hand and reaches over to try and dry Luke's face too.]
[When he's done, he pulls his hand back. His expression was already sad, but it seems to really resonate in his eyes just how difficult the memory is for him.]
[Most people would just get a gruff noise and a refusal to answer, but Luke is different. Lalli is a bit hesitant with his words, but he does explain things.]
She wasn't immune, and she got sick.
[A general explanation, at least. He'll leave out the more gruesome details.]
The rash is a death sentence. Once you catch it, there's no cure.
[Even figuring this was the case, he dislikes hearing it's true.]
I'm sorry she got sick. [He's still not the greatest with the whole comfort thing. What do you even say to someone about something like that?] Do you ever think about going somewhere else?
Like... another place. And taking them with you. The people you have left.
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It is.
[Lalli looks up now though, and he sees that Luke's face is starting to look a little watery. And that he's looking upwards.]
...Luke?
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I'm fine.
[This is a small lie. He isn't fine because the emotions from the memory were like a sucker punch, but! At least he isn't full on sobbing. Who do you think he is, Yamato?
He reaches up to rub under his eye with the bottom of his wrist.]
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I'm okay.
[...
But his expression says thanks.]
Who was that...?
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Tuuri. My cousin.
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Sorry. Was it... the trolls? [A pause.] Nevermind. You don't have to talk about it.
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She wasn't immune, and she got sick.
[A general explanation, at least. He'll leave out the more gruesome details.]
The rash is a death sentence. Once you catch it, there's no cure.
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I'm sorry she got sick. [He's still not the greatest with the whole comfort thing. What do you even say to someone about something like that?] Do you ever think about going somewhere else?
Like... another place. And taking them with you. The people you have left.
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I'll find something else to use my wish on.
[He will actually have an idea in week 4, but that is for Later.]
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[He understands.]
Take your time. Well, the year is going by quick, but... you have time.
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[He goes quiet for a moment, as he usually does when he's thinking about something. But after a bit he speaks up again.]
What's your wish?
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I don't know. I guess I'll decide if it happens. If I graduate.
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You won't end up like the others if you fail, right?
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...I don't know. I've never not graduated from failing more than one class before.
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[He doesn't seem too satisfied by that answer, but it is what it is.]
Maybe that's what I can save my wish for then.
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What do you mean? You should use your wish for yourself, Lalli. For something you want.
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[He seems pretty set on this.]
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What about your family? The curse? Don't worry about me. Better me than one of you.
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[He! Is serious here!!!]
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Okay. I'll get the grades.
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[A war of attrition, that's what this is. But he nods approvingly at Luke finally agreeing.]
Everyone else feels the same way too.
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