[ What's the right action in this instance? ...That's right, Albedo believes he understands that. Moving a hand to stroke his hair gently now that he has rested it on his shoulder — well within reach. ]
There isn't much to be done at the moment, except to allow yourself to grieve. To feel acutely the pain and life that has been lost. Then, carry within you with that memory, as you inevitably move forward, but until then...
[ 'You have me,' Albedo thinks with no small amount of significance. ]
Perhaps you all were. It is likely there was no conceivable way to save her, due to Cubia's machinations.
...But, tell me:
Were you able to see it? The moment where Uta reached out to every single one of you?
[ It's fascinating, the idea of life after death. But even if she wasted away, certain aspects of a lifeform may have persisted, though have not been corrupted completely, despite Uta's condition. ]
[ He relaxes slightly under Albedo's touch, and he's quiet as the other speaks. He can't take in everything, he can't stop blaming himself, he can't get the image of Unna's charred corpse out of his mind.
The question Albedo poses, however, gives him pause.
...
Noé nods. He saw it. ]
I did. It was when she smiled, just before her death.
[ One might argue that it is cruel to make someone recount that.
But isn't it a relief that there is a semblance of the real person in there? That it was something that could not be overwritten despite everything?
Perhaps that is the true miracle of it all. A miracle that supersedes a cold fact of reality. At this, he continues his administrations, gentle all the same. ]
...I see.
She must have been happy to have known that, in the end, she could not only be freed, but she was not alone.
[ They'll have no way to know for sure, given she couldn't speak in her final moments. But if her smile, her expression was anything to be believed – if he truly knew Unna as well as he thinks he did – then Albedo is correct. ]
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no subject
If there was a way to bring her back, he thinks, he'd do that. Selfishly, to see the other man smile once again. ]
It's only natural, for you to desire that.
[ ... ]
...But I am also glad that my presence can help soothe you enough.
no subject
I don't know what to do.
[ ... ]
I thought...I thought we were doing the right thing for her.
no subject
There isn't much to be done at the moment, except to allow yourself to grieve. To feel acutely the pain and life that has been lost. Then, carry within you with that memory, as you inevitably move forward, but until then...
[ 'You have me,' Albedo thinks with no small amount of significance. ]
Perhaps you all were. It is likely there was no conceivable way to save her, due to Cubia's machinations.
...But, tell me:
Were you able to see it? The moment where Uta reached out to every single one of you?
[ It's fascinating, the idea of life after death. But even if she wasted away, certain aspects of a lifeform may have persisted, though have not been corrupted completely, despite Uta's condition. ]
no subject
The question Albedo poses, however, gives him pause.
...
Noé nods. He saw it. ]
I did. It was when she smiled, just before her death.
no subject
But isn't it a relief that there is a semblance of the real person in there? That it was something that could not be overwritten despite everything?
Perhaps that is the true miracle of it all. A miracle that supersedes a cold fact of reality. At this, he continues his administrations, gentle all the same. ]
...I see.
She must have been happy to have known that, in the end, she could not only be freed, but she was not alone.
no subject
Maybe you're right.
[ They'll have no way to know for sure, given she couldn't speak in her final moments. But if her smile, her expression was anything to be believed – if he truly knew Unna as well as he thinks he did – then Albedo is correct. ]
I hope we were able to do that much for her.
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...I firmly believe that you had been able. Your actions and feelings must have undoubtedly reached her.
no subject
Thank you, Albedo. I'm...I'm glad I haven't lost your faith.
no subject
[ Albedo is certain about that; more than anything, of course. He lets the other continue to hold him in an embrace either way. ]
no subject
I'll do my best to make sure you don't change your mind.
no subject
I am certain I won't have cause for my mind to change. But, should it...I suppose I will be counting on you to regain it all over again.