[ He frowns at practically all of that, his brows furrowed and emotions troubled, feeling her sadness like it's his own. At least it sounds like she's not alone, but... ]
It must be difficult to find someone to help you.
[ If most everyone can't see her anymore. At least they can interact with her fully here, though there's no telling what happens if and when they leave this place. ]
I actually took care of it. It was... confronting my killer. But um, you know the door you saw? That's basically the door to purgatory. It's why when Saul died, a door showed up.
[ she's fidgeting nervously now. ]
After I finished my business, my door showed up. But um-- my other friend. Mitchell. He was attacked, so I didn't get to go through it. I basically missed my change to pass on. Which isn't that bad! I love being with them, they're my family. Or... loved...
[ a pause. ]
I was sort of forcefully exorcised and then I ended up here.
[ His emotions go to a very deep pit of dread and sympathy. Ghosts should be allowed to pass on when they're ready—they should always have that opportunity to be saved. ]
But your home... you could go back if we finish this, right? To your family.
I think I'd just be exorcised again... it wasn't a nice place. I was just waiting... and I couldn't get an answer for where I was supposed to go.
[ she blinks and shakes her head. ]
I know this place here is kind of shitty, but I am glad that I get to spend time with you and everyone else. What makes up a ghost is only their relationship to things and people, so I'm grateful to be surrounded by you all.
[ he picks himself up quickly because his feelings are immediately defiant, powerfully so. ]
I... I also thought ghosts were defined by memories of the living, unable to wish or chase after their own wants. But you are your own entity. [ not just defined by being his friend, or a dorm head, or whatever else—she's Annie, even without all that. ] And you deserve to have someplace that you can rest and feel safe for whatever eternity awaits you.
[ it takes her a moment to continue with the thought after that. ]
But thank you. I think I just... I have no idea what's after this for me, so I really do just want to concentrate on making sure you all get out of here safely. Even if I'm not Sally, or that the whole dorm head thing was kind of forced on me-- I think I want to hold onto that responsibility still.
[ there's affection coming from her. ]
So... that's what I want to do! Helping you. It makes me happy.
[ there's a blast of something like... rejection? to the first part of her words. he's not sweet, and he's not kind. but he can't decide if it would be crueler for him to be cold to her now, or to speak to her like this when the truth of his acts will, inevitably, be uncovered.
but to the rest, his emotions are a little tempered, still upset for her but in a more muted way. ]
Then we're at an impasse, because I would like to help you too.
[ ghosts have never helped him with anything—they can't even help themselves. it's strange, that annie seems so steadfast in it. ]
I just do not want you to define yourself only by what you can give to others. If you are dead, there is very little you owe the world. But if it makes you happy, then... far be it for me to stop you.
[ ... there's a flash of confusion and concern at the rejection, and she goes to ask about it, except he keeps talking and that quiets her enough to listen.
she's realized by this point that dimitri isn't too fond of touching, but she still tentatively holds her hand out to him anyway. ]
Well... I can try to be a little selfish at times.
[ at the end of the day, her wants are rather small in comparison to some of the bigger dreams of the people here. ]
[ he doesn't mind physical contact, but it's a comfort he isn't used to it—back home, people could barely ever speak to him without some lofty title, much less casually touch him.
there is a little rumble of uncertainty and more guilt before he carefully rests his fingers against hers, gripping them with care. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
It must be difficult to find someone to help you.
[ If most everyone can't see her anymore. At least they can interact with her fully here, though there's no telling what happens if and when they leave this place. ]
What sort of... business is holding you back?
no subject
[ she's fidgeting nervously now. ]
After I finished my business, my door showed up. But um-- my other friend. Mitchell. He was attacked, so I didn't get to go through it. I basically missed my change to pass on. Which isn't that bad! I love being with them, they're my family. Or... loved...
[ a pause. ]
I was sort of forcefully exorcised and then I ended up here.
no subject
But your home... you could go back if we finish this, right? To your family.
[ Found family is still family. ]
Or would you just be exorcised again?
no subject
[ she blinks and shakes her head. ]
I know this place here is kind of shitty, but I am glad that I get to spend time with you and everyone else. What makes up a ghost is only their relationship to things and people, so I'm grateful to be surrounded by you all.
no subject
[ he picks himself up quickly because his feelings are immediately defiant, powerfully so. ]
I... I also thought ghosts were defined by memories of the living, unable to wish or chase after their own wants. But you are your own entity. [ not just defined by being his friend, or a dorm head, or whatever else—she's Annie, even without all that. ] And you deserve to have someplace that you can rest and feel safe for whatever eternity awaits you.
no subject
[ it takes her a moment to continue with the thought after that. ]
But thank you. I think I just... I have no idea what's after this for me, so I really do just want to concentrate on making sure you all get out of here safely. Even if I'm not Sally, or that the whole dorm head thing was kind of forced on me-- I think I want to hold onto that responsibility still.
[ there's affection coming from her. ]
So... that's what I want to do! Helping you. It makes me happy.
no subject
but to the rest, his emotions are a little tempered, still upset for her but in a more muted way. ]
Then we're at an impasse, because I would like to help you too.
[ ghosts have never helped him with anything—they can't even help themselves. it's strange, that annie seems so steadfast in it. ]
I just do not want you to define yourself only by what you can give to others. If you are dead, there is very little you owe the world. But if it makes you happy, then... far be it for me to stop you.
no subject
she's realized by this point that dimitri isn't too fond of touching, but she still tentatively holds her hand out to him anyway. ]
Well... I can try to be a little selfish at times.
[ at the end of the day, her wants are rather small in comparison to some of the bigger dreams of the people here. ]
no subject
there is a little rumble of uncertainty and more guilt before he carefully rests his fingers against hers, gripping them with care. ]
Please do.
no subject
[ it's said in a tone that she doesn't quite believe that will be easy for him, and it matches what she's feeling, but.
it's good to do something for yourself* sometimes
*that is something healthy ]