[Private Level 2 to basically everyone Tachibana knows well]

[triggerhappytraitor]

Sayoko--

This world's Sayoko is here. Alive.

[[There might be a bit of a note of panic in his mental voice]]

She saw me. Recognized me...!

....and she's a Pillar.



[[Anyone who comes looking will find him in the garage, sitting on the couch with his head in his hands, Garren hovering worriedly at his side.]]

Comments

[chalicejoker]

You vanished like a ghost.

You could...I don't know, explain that you're a parallel universe version of the guy she knew.

[There's a long pause.]

Didn't it help you, knowing there were worlds where she'd lived?

[triggerhappytraitor]

[[there's a long moment of quiet before he nods]]

[chalicejoker]

And that might help her too.

[Hajime pushes the pot of oden at Tachibana.]

Settle down, eat something, and while you do that, Ryo and I will go find her again.

[Why is he feeling like his mother right now?]

[triggerhappytraitor]

Wait--

[[Tachibana reaches out, stopping just short of grabbing Hajime's hand]]

What if she recognizes you as well?

[chalicejoker]

I've got experience with "hello, I'm not quite the person you knew, I'm from another timeline or universe."

You don't. I can be more diplomatic.

[This actually sets Ryo off into a giggle fit. Hajime! Diplomatic? That's funny.]

[triggerhappytraitor]

[[A small puff of amusement escapes Tachibana as well.]]

You can, when there's an actual need?

[chalicejoker]

Every so often.

["Planets have to be in alignment!" adds Ryo.]

[triggerhappytraitor]

Let's hope that they are, this time. [[and he finally is starting to relax]]

...Thank you.

[[The words are quiet and soft, but very genuine.]]