Love Me Like a Saint

[distortng]

lips slightly curled. there was so much shared between the two women, and yet so much they didn't know due to separation. "oh, to not have a vehicle sounds heavenly." one less responsibility to take care of. means of transportation had made hazel nervous, but what hadn't? the woman was easily rattled down to the marrow of her bones. just rattled. as light as the term was, the truth was that they had lost a lot. the loss felt detrimental — "elyse." a warm grin took over hazels expressions as they stood waiting for their car.

"letters sound lovely." gentle. just a reminder of the ties between them, but enough space to not drown in the harsh memory. "i went to a gathering leni and emery had..." she quietly recalled. laughter that clouded any bound secrets kept. "drank a little too much if im honest." it wasn't often hazel let herself go, but she'd been nervous. the faces were a reminder of all that was left.. all that she lost. eloise.. — and she had.. a blurry haze of leaving with edith. waking up in her bed. hazel's brows slightly scrunched before she eased. "for the sake of them announcing they married, i suppose. always thought they would tie the knot." there was good that came from such tragedy.

[legacyfms]

"I would say most of the times it is." Maia said with a laugh. "Sometimes it makes it a pain to get to where you need to go but I work my way around it." After all it was a lot easier with the invention of rideshares. But before it was a lot easier to have excuses to miss things, to continue to isolate herself, but now it was easy for someone to suggest getting her an Uber. As if she couldn't afford it herself. Maia laughed warmly at Hazel's reaction. "She just would never let me fully pull away from her. It'd be annoying if it wasn't so sweet."

Maia laughed warmly and finally looked over at Hazel, taking her in. She looked different of course, they all had with age, but it was still in a way Maia had fully imagined her to be. She missed her, even if Maia wouldn't say it out loud yet. "Well after tonight I'll know your address. Maybe I can send you letters." She tried to offer casually, as if everything inside her was screaming not to get too close. At the mention of Leni and Emery, Maia hummed -- not at all surprised by the news. "Well shit we all called that out there didn't we?" She almost said that she and Eloise bet money on it once but considering who she was talking to Maia decided to let that go.

"I don't blame you. The rare times I do see Tessa I get completely plastered, just like old times." She laughed but she knew it was true. There was only a few people that Maia trusted beforehand to see her in vulnerable moments but Tessa was always one of those people. So it made sense to her that she'd continue to allow Tessa into her life. "Though if I'm being honest I'm surprised more of us didn't end up together. Something about trauma bonds and all that."

[thvntophobic]

she only ever felt the answer to how she was doing would always be 'good' — for they were always better than what they once were. out in the wilderness. enduring life or facing death. the horrors never felt like a distant memory. lucia had done her best to bury them deep down. avoid. come into contact with a form of delusion. seeing maia felt like a shovel to all that was buried. resurfacing the bad, but seeing her did feel good. "i've been well." she finally answered.

it wasn't a lie. life had given her the importance of a daughter. someone to care for and let go of her own self. "would you like a coffee?" hands unclasped from her lap to rest on the table top, her chest slowly depleted. "or a glass of wine?" an offering to ease whatever tension she was beginning to feel. her scars. they burned from the memory. "no. i haven't." sometimes luce had wished she had. "sometimes i thought it would be too painful to see the others." — and you. "not that i hadn't ever wanted to. i just — felt i needed an identity away from...all of that."

[legacyfms]

Maia knew the question was difficult for the team. After all it's hard to fully be okay after everything they had been through. But she figured their definition of okay or good differed from others. At least when it came to Maia, her baseline for "good" was normal for what they went through. Her "good" always included the nightmares and guilt that ate at her. God help her if she wasn't having a good day. "Good. I'm glad to hear that." She said honestly, smiling warmly. Maia nodded.

"I can do with a glass of wine honestly." Maia thought that it would be a good idea to get one, it showed that she was nervous too. But at Luce's explanation, Maia just nodded. "Trust me I completely understand that. I stayed away from most of them." Sure she had her complicated reasons, mainly the one living on her land. "I just pulled away from everyone and I kept to myself." Or to herself as she could be. "But it seems like a lot more have been popping out of the woodworks lately and I wanted to know if something was going on. Figured I'd try to see if you heard anything that's been going on."

[wiilderncss]

"You're right, that is totally fair," Elyse conceded, thinking about someone else walking into her home and taking over the kitchen. She supposed it depended on the circumstances, really, but she wasn't here to make Maia more uncomfortable. The whole point of this visit was to help Maia feel safe and comfortable in the world she was living in these days, not the opposite.

"Yeah, it's been good. James is growing like a weed. And Ellie dotes all over him. It's really nice to see..." She never imagined what it was like, bringing children into the world and watching them become their own little people, interacting and loving one another. It was a whole different world. She just hoped she could keep them from the darkness that lingered in her own past. She didn't want it to touch either one of them. Or anyone, if she were honest. "It's nice to work too, though. Hard to be away from them for long shifts, but I love helping people so..." Her shoulders lift a little. Is it because of everything she'd seen and done out there, everyone she couldn't help that she needed to make up for? Or was it just something she was made to do? She didn't really have an answer to that.

She smiles in thanks as Maia brings a cup of coffee, already made just the way she likes it. "Okay, I'm sure I can find us a great place nearby. Would be great if we could take a walk some place. Are you feeling more...waffle-y, or like traditional diner eggs and bacon-y?"

[legacyfms]

"Oh I can only imagine!" Maia said with a small but genuine smile. She never really knew what it was like to be in a loving family but she knew anyone spending an extended amount of time with Elyse was bound to be amazing. She had a habit of just lightening everything up for Maia. So she could only picture her kids being good people like her. "Do they do any after school activities?" She wasn't good with kids, didn't know what they liked. But Maia wanted to hear Elyse talking about them because it showed that Elyse was one of the rare ones who had a life outside of their tragedy. She wasn't living with a secret for the last 25 years, or at least as big as Maia was. "Yeah you've always been good at helping people. I have no doubt you're amazing at your job. Whereas I like being a homebody, the less people I interact with out in the real world the better." She knew it sounded rude so she quickly tried to amend what she said. "Given company being the exception, of course."

Maia subtly turned on the light in her backyard before she sat down with Elyse. "Yeah walking's great. Honestly it's one of the best things about this place, there's a lot of things in walking distance and the town is small but quaint." She took a sip of her coffee while she considered her options. "Let's do traditional. I can definitely go for a good egg breakfast."

[survivcrss]

Eloise's words made her tuck her hair behind her ear, a nervous reflex as her heart fluttered inside her chest. ''I'm really glad to be here with you, too,'' she reflected just a tad more out of breath. Barely noticeable, but to her it seemed like she was embarrassing herself really. The way their pinkies kept brushing along one another made her almost want to bend her pinky, trying to catch hers in a pinky holding embrace, but even that had her scared of people noticing something other than two friends hanging out. Which it was, they were on a date. But truth be told, Esme was scared shitless. What if she blew it? ''No, no! I mean, yes - yes it is my thing! Not to brag but uh, I know the owner actually,'' having her brother work at the pier meant they got to eat free pizza most of the time.

''Oh?'' Esme chuckled, ''I'd like to see you kick my ass, my brother and I basically grew up here, I've learned from the best.'' It was a tease, because she knew she was absolutely dogshit at most games. But they were fun. Fun memories she cherished. It's why she proposed they'd go here tonight, make some new ones. ''What toppings you like? Pepperoni, funghi....pineapple perhaps?'' There was an anticipating grin on her face as they arrived at the place, waiting for Eloise's answer before she'd order.

[legacyfms]

Eloise's breath was taken from her any time Esme did something, it was like every part of her had already gotten so deep in Eloise and she didn't want it any other way. When she confirmed she's happy so far on the date, a grin immediately grew on Eloise's face. All she wanted to do was grab Esme and give her a kiss right then and there but she had to fight back that urge. "No way you know them? That's so cool that's almost like knowing a celebrity!" Eloise was completely smitten and wanted to know all the details.

"You're on Esme." She giggled knowing she wasn't exactly the best but she was a determined person and she wanted to win Esme a stuffed animal to remember her by. And even if they had to play every game on the pier she was going to do it. "Wow you're already asking the make or break questions on the first date." Eloise laughed, leaning into Esme a bit more. "But I hope you'll still like me after I tell you I'm very pro pineapple on my pizza. I like that it gives a little sweetness to it. But honestly I could eat anything so I'm not too picky if that's not your thing."

[survivcrss]

Who: Eloise / @legacyfms Where: The Pier / First Date

''What was that? Sorry, I didn't quite catch that,'' in the midst of a group of youth cheering in excitement, Esme had a hard time understanding Eloise clearly, causing her to move closer to the dark haired girl. Walking shoulder to shoulder, her hand briefly brushed past Eloise's, feeling too shy to take her hand in hers - what if it was too soon, what if Eloise didn't like her the way Esme liked her, what if she'd be weirded out by holding hands in public? All questions that rambled through her mind caused by a sprinkle of anxiety. Instead she tried to focus on something else, which wasn't hard to do with all the pretty lights all around them, music blaring and people yelling in rides. Food. She could go for a bite after the long day at school with training after. ''What's your choice of food around here?'' Wondering if Eloise would say the same as her, which would be the pizzeria Toscana all the way at the back, with the most gorgeous view. Well, second most gorgeous view that was ever since she laid eyes on Eloise.

[legacyfms]

"Oh I was just saying I'm really glad to be here with you." Eloise said as she tried to hide her growing blush from all the bright lights and noise surrounding them. Of course she's been on dates before but she never felt like this with anyone else. Never felt her heart beat so fast like it knew it was Esme's the moment they saw each other. As they walked forward together, their hands brushed and Eloise couldn't stop the breath hitch. She wanted to just take Esme's hand into hers but felt it was too extreme. Too public and sure they were on a date but maybe Esme didn't want to be seen like that. So Eloise tried to respect that, but it didn't mean she wasn't going to be bold and let their pinkies brush a few more times.

The pier around them was a lot but it also seemed perfect at the same time. The chaos only amplifying the pounding in her chest for Esme. "Honestly I love the pizza place that's near here. But I can go for anything if pizza isn't your thing." She wanted to be accommodating. Perfect. Perfect for Esme. "I also want to see if I can kick your ass at one of these games. We can do with some healthy competition."

[wiilderncss]

It had only been hours ago that Elyse had been sitting in her seat on the plane, a book opened in her lap while her teammates sang and cheered and teased one another. The week ahead was supposed to be full of challenge and excitement - not wilderness for seemingly miles in every direction and no signs of rescue. People were dead. At least Chloe only had to worry about a headache for the time being. Not that Elyse wasn't grateful for that. At least Chloe was still here, keeping her company as she so often did.

"Yeah, of course," Elyse agreed with a nod and a gentle smile. "And it isn't only because I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway." Her eyes slipped back over towards the fire, thinking about the luggage and what their options were in dealing with it. Chloe was probably right, there might be useful things in them, stuff they'd need for the night, tomorrow - until they were rescued. "We are a team," she agreed after a thoughtful lull in the conversation. "Sharing is caring, and all that? Do you think anyone packed anything useful? I feel like my bag is mostly just...clothes. A few books. At least we won't be bored if we find that? What about you, did you pack anything useful in anticipation of the plane crashing?"

[legacyfms]

Chloe smiled warmly, not knowing how to really begin to thank Elyse. "Well either way thank you. It's nice not being alone." Because Chloe had felt alone for a long time now. Longer than any twin should have to feel. But in a fucked up way she was used to that feeling and it was a surprise that there were people who didn't want her to feel like that.

"Exactly!" She said with an encouraging smile. "Honestly I don't know. Maybe not like camping useful but definitely some things we can probably get creative with to help us. Like maybe some products could be used as first aide or something?" Chloe offered not really knowing what to expect in everyone's luggage. "Hey I'll definitely take books, we can have a fun story time. I'm sad to say I left my map of these mountains at home, I didn't think we'd need them." She laughed a bit, clearly joking. "I do have both a sewing and first aid kit. Not exactly the most prepared but could be worse I guess."

[alpenglowss]

pushing herself upwards, water droplets fell back to their body. the water came up to the middle of edith's shins as she stood wringing her shirt out. she'd be cold and wet for hours while sitting out here with chloe. edith didn't flinch in that discomfort. if nature could absorb her she'd allow it too. "yeah - it's actually crazy to think about how people are reacting. think we're a headline on the news?" legs pushed through the water resistance until she approached the rocks which chloe sat up. finding herself a mildly flat surface, edith also sat hugging her wet knees to her chest.

"chloe," the name wasn't spoken with a serious tone. more mischievous. "did you use cherie's lipstick?" the thought of the teammate throwing a tantrum delighted edith. she'd always had a devilish streak. "i used it. — but not because i wanted to...but because i knew if she saw me gathering sticks with the shade on my lips she might freak the fuck out. might think i'd give her cooties."

[legacyfms]

Chloe tried not to watch too closely as Edith got out of the water. She already felt like a creep for getting caught standing too near to begin with, she didn't need to add to that reasoning. She was just thankful that the dark of night covered most of her blush that she could tell was crawling up her body. "I think so, at least at school and maybe local news. I don't know if we'd be national news though." Chloe considered before shrugging. "I honestly don't even know if my parents realize it or not." She said quietly, like if she spoke any louder she'd startle even her parents.

But Edith was quick to make Chloe smile, like always. She shrugged slightly. "I may have." She landed with a deadpan response before immediately grinning. "It's the perfect shade for me I had to. Plus some of those girls that are passing it around? It's hard to say no to, they were really convincing." Chloe laughed, a good honest laugh she hadn't felt in a while. "I really can't wait for her to find out. That will at least be a fun little drama to witness."

[h0llyalexander]

"A step at a time...", Holly repeated Chloe's words, her voice still a little bit shaky. She didn't believe that what they were doing would get them through the night without getting cold again, but...Chloe's optimism, real or not, was sort of helping to calm her down. Her reassurances about the pilot were too, because that was truly the most horrific thing of all. The body. Holly still had a feeling he might come back and haunt them somehow, even though the rational part of her knew that it was impossible. She closed her eyes for a moment, wiping away a few more tears, trying to position herself to look a bit more stable than she was really feeling. She nodded when Chloe asked if he was the first dead body she'd ever seen.

"Do you think we will go back? Later? To bury him?", she asked, a hint of hopefulness in her voice. In her head, she had already thought about maybe doing it but she knew she wouldn't be able to dig such a large hole by herself. Well...maybe not in one night. Maybe multiple nights would do the trick. But she would need energy for that and right now, they needed all the energy they had to gather firewood so all she could really do was promise herself and the ghost in her dreams that at some point, she would go back and fix this. "I've never seen something like that before...have you?"

[legacyfms]

Chloe nodded and tried to smile as Holly repeated her words back. "Exactly! Like a checklist of things to do. And before we know it we'll be back home in our beds." She tried to sound optimistic for Holly's sake, even if she was not at all happy about the odds all of them faced from here on out. "Plus we got through the worst of it, right?" At least Chloe had hoped the crash was the worst of it but the pit in her stomach tended to disagree.

Chloe wanted to say so many things to try to calm Holly's mind. To try to tell her it gets easier, even if it hasn't for her yet, but nothing seemed like the right words to say. "Hey of course we will. I'll come back and do it myself if I have to." She said with a small smile, a comforting hand resting on Holly's shoulder. But at Holly's next question Chloe's heart sank. She bit her lip trying to figure out how to answer. "Not to this extent but I've had some people close to me die a not so pretty death." She wanted to tell someone about Cleo finally. Talk about her sister that she knew her parents wished was here more than her. But opening up about that was like opening up a whole can of worms she wasn't ready for.

[thvntophobic]

the sound of hawthorns panicked breath was calming to lucia. grounded her focus. "somebody has to do it." spoken simply. "im not fully devoid of emotion. im just sure if it was left to you...no offense, we'd be here all night, and there would be some speech about not wanting to eat bambi and his friends... or was bambi a girl?" no matter how twisted the actions were, they needed to eat. eat. or be eaten. "you're pale as a ghost." looking over her shoulder. fingers worked to clean the meat as best as she could. "think i should pull most of the bones out — or do you think people will eat around them?"

[legacyfms]

"No it makes sense." Hawthorn said, disappointed in himself that he couldn't help out with something so simple as helping with the food. "I wasn't trying to say you weren't having emotions. I'm sorry. I just meant that I think it's brave that you're doing it." He sighed and finally turned around. "I think Bambi was a boy. I don't know I remember the antlers but not much about the movie itself." He said with a small laugh, thinking about something as simple as a childhood movie. "But I think the bones should be okay? I mean people are use to chicken wings and things like ribs right?"

[wiilderncss]

It was Hawthorn's expression that yanked hard on their heartstrings, threatening to bring their own emotions bubbling up to the surface. Hawthorn...who looked so much like their sister, who was suffering just as much of not more than Aspen was with the confusion and loss.

So the moment he spoke and Aspen caught sight of their brother, they were stepping down from what they were doing and pulling him into a tight embrace. Their shoulder twinged and ached with the motion, but it didn't matter. They needed to recognize Hawthorn's pain. "No, no - none of that is important right now," Aspen soothed. "I'm...I'm sorry, Hawth. I don't even..." know what to say. What did someone say in these circumstances?

[legacyfms]

The moment Aspen brought him into a hug, Hawthorn immediately held them tight. The tears came just as quickly and there was no stopping them even if Hawthorn wanted to. He needed his big sibling more than anything. Aspen was always there for him when things were tough and frankly, Hawthorn couldn't think of a time that was tougher than right now.

With a quick sniff, Hawthorn immediately pulled back and tried to wipe the tears from his eyes. "It was all my fault. I begged her to switch with me so I can have the window seat." Ever since the crash it was playing in his mind over and over again like some sick twisted record that wanted him to suffer every moment he lived on without his twin. "I had to..." He trailed off trying to gain the courage to talk about it. "I was stuck, I had to crawl over her."

[survivcrss]

Emery had, foolishly perhaps, gone off on her own. Not too far from camp, close enough to still hear bickering, to see them move around from the distance she was at. At least, that's what she'd told herself and Leni before going off to collect some more wood. Her interest had peaked when she had stood eye to eye with a squirrel. Without the proper equipment, no bow or knife, she'd gotten after it with an axe. Like a goddamn serial killer, it looked like. But the critter had escaped her by being too quick on its tiny feet. ''I'll get you next time, fucker.'' She gritted through her teeth, feeling her stomach growl and the feeling of failure hit her like the start of a headache.

Her arms crossed, she walked back towards the direction she thought where camp was. The silence of hearing anything but the other girls was deafening, and for a second - a split second the thought of panic almost got to her. Almost. If it hadn't been for the voice she heard and the movement she noticed through the trees of another girl. Her pace quickened for a second, glad to see and recognize the back of Eloise's form, before she processed what words had been said - however quiet and hard to make out from where she was. This slowed her step, looking around to see if there was anyone else here. Hazel, perhaps? The two were inseparable after all. ''Hey....good seeing you here. Is Hazel around here as well?'' Emery didn't wanna make assumptions, but found it strange how she didn't see anybody else. ''I was collecting wood....got distracted though. So much for feeling hungry. What are you up to?'' Having noticed the berries collected by her team member, she wondered what else Eloise might've found so far.

[legacyfms]

Eloise was still a little on edge that someone else was around, like the whispers were warning her to trust anyone else. But at the mention of Hazel, Eloise immediately relaxed and smiled. "Oh no. It's just me out here. Well I guess now you too!" She didn't want to say that the wind and plants immediately stopped talking as soon as they sensed someone else was here.

She grinned down at her makeshift container she got out of one of the toiletry kits she had found from the plane. "I was just getting some berries." Eloise showed her haul from the morning. "Figured the more we collect and figure out how to store the better we'll be trying to ration out food more longterm." Eloise knew she wasn't very good at some of the other ways of survival like Emery was. She was useless with weapons, not very strong, and would cry immediately the moment something happened to Bambi. But plants. Eloise knew plants and wanted to help out that way.

[distortng]

each step created a snapping sound. the reaction was a deep unease. it left hazel unsettled as she walked the thick of the wood alone. isolation allowed her own fears to crawl inward. she could quicken her pace, but they'd catch up. fear would dig its claws into her skin. puncture down until it would become hard to breathe. hazel's lungs took harsher breathes as she carried herself further seeking the one person who brought her back down to earth. eloise.

there she was. whispering against a tree. or humming. hazel's mind felt too fogged from the suffocating nature all around them. "i haven't seen you all morning." worried. with trembling fingers, hazel reached out to caress her sisters dark hair. her mouth didn't dare to admit that she'd been ill through hours of not knowing where the other had been. she'd only thought the worst. trying to collect her breath, hazel's eyes looked to eloise's hands. "are those berries?"

[legacyfms]

Eloise softened immediately as soon as she saw Hazel. It was like she was finally completed and could snap out of whatever daze she was in. She frowned slightly as soon as she saw how worried Hazel was. "Hey hey it's okay. I'm okay." Eloise smiled, stepping forward so Hazel could touch her to make sure. "I didn't realize it was so late." She said a bit softly. Eloise looked up at the sky, as if that could tell her how much time she had lost in the woods.

A part of her wanted to go deeper into the woods. Like every bit of her was being called away from everyone else. But Hazel's words brought her back to the moment once again. "Yeah! I recognized them from one of the trees we had back home! They're mulberries. The plant itself is poisonous but the fruit are fine. I figured we should stock up as much as we could."

[survivcrss]

There was an exhale leaving her body when she rolled her shoulders down and crossed her arms. Clara asked her all the right questions, questions that had been on her mind all afternoon. ''I wish I had the answer,'' perhaps she did - perhaps somewhere in the back of her mind she had an idea of who it could be, but she didn't know for sure. ''It could be anyone,'' she said, her mind breaking over this matter. ''That's the thing.... I like to think it wouldn't be Leni or Emery because they have no reason to pull shit like this. I don't think Elyse has the guts, she's too nice. Holly might've been dramatic but I don't think this kind of dramatic. And that's the thing, I could think of something for each and every one of them and still suspect them of doing this - because we're all fucking guilty. We've all done things we had to do.... to survive.''

[legacyfms]

"It could be anyone. They all have their reasons to do it. They all have their reasons not to." Clara repeats, voice trailing off as she stepped forward. Her fingers traced Jules's arms lightly, wanting to show they were in it together. "But not all of us survived." She said cryptically. As if she was one of the ones who got out and not just the memory of her. "Maybe someone is mad that someone didn't make it out. But why now?" It didn't make sense to Clara. This could have been done years ago, when it was still a fresh wound for everyone. But now feels like it was meticulously planned. Meant to cause pain. "And do you know if it's just you or did someone else get some?"

[everyoneatonce]

Though she hadn't said anything, Evelyn was not blind. She noticed very early on that something was wrong. It was the pained look on Clara's face, every time she tried to walk a bit too fast. But Clara was strong and Evelyn was not sure she should point out the obvious, especially when Clara herself hadn't said anything about it yet. Besides, she didn't actually see the injury. She just noticed a slight limp. Maybe it was not so bad? That was what she was hoping for when she followed Clara deeper into the woods at a distance, trying not to be spotted. Hiding behind a nearby tree, she had spied on her a little bit because she was worried, and she wanted to reassure herself that it was not so bad and their supportive assistant coach was doing just fine like always. But the truth was much worse than what she expected. She thought maybe it was a slight sprain in Clara's ankle, but her entire knee looked so horribly swollen and discolored. It made Evelyn shudder to think Clara had been walking around on that. She got up, her intent being to turn around and head back to camp, and maybe confront Clara about this later, but she made a misstep. A small branch, cracking beneath her shoe. Dammit. Almost immediately, she could hear Clara's familiar voice, asking if she needed anything. Evelyn turned around, and she could no longer hide the concern in her face. "I'm okay, Clara. I just...I'm a bit worried, that's all. You seemed a bit tired yesterday...how are you holding up?"

[legacyfms]

Clara inhaled sharply as soon as she saw the look on Evelyn's face. She swore at herself for not hiding it better among the girls. They have been through so much that Clara never wanted to worry them, feeling like it wasn't their job to have to take care of her. And here Evelyn was clearly concerned enough to be out here with her. She sighed, trying to figure out how to handle this. "I am tired but I'm okay Evelyn. I promise. I was just trying to see if I could find anything useful out here." She said with an encouraging smile to try to show that she was totally okay and not at all dying from the pain in her knee. "I'm more worried about you and the others, you don't need to worry about me. Okay? I can only imagine what you all must be going through right now with everything and I'm sorry." She wanted to say sorry that she couldn't protect them better.

[wiilderncss]

"Yeah, yeah - Well, I don't know, actually. Guess I never had reason to ask." These were college girls, after all. They weren't a team that had designated Snack Mom bringing treats to every game (though now that it had crossed Aspen's mind, they kind of wanted to start doing that. Not snack mom, but -- it didn't matter). "Hopefully not though, if peanuts end up being the only thing we've got going for us at the moment."

They pause, trying to give Clara a hint of a smile but failing, somewhat. Of course they knew what they were referencing - Fern, the others. But there was no room to stop right now. The girls needed them. They were supposed to be their leader of sorts, being in a coaching position. "I'm - you know, I don't really know what I am, but I don't want to stop and think about it too long because then..." Then they actually would be a teary eyed mess, they had no doubt. But they had to keep it together. For Hawthorn. For everyone. Someone had to pick up the pieces. "I just...need to be doing something, I think." They glance back over at her, realizing they hadn't even asked after her well being. "Wait, were you limping on your way over here?"

[legacyfms]

"Yeah me neither. I figured they were old enough to take care of themselves." And Clara suddenly felt guilty, guilty that she couldn't help them more. "Which goes to show that we need non peanut snacks on planes!" But she was hopeful that some of the kids had a variety of snacks for everyone to share.

Clara watched Aspen carefully, trying to see if they were really okay with everything they have been through. She hummed softly and nodded her head. "I know but you need to take some time too. For you and Hawthorn." Clara said gently, not wanting to completely push. She was always going to be there for them and wanted Aspen to see it too. "I get it though. Sometimes it's easier to worry about everyone else than it is yourself." Case in point they noticed Clara limping and she didn't want to worry about it. "Just slightly. It's nothing I'm fine." She lied as her knee was screaming at her.

[legacyfms]

starter: open location: The forest

Eloise was among the forest, trying to gather as much food as she could recognize. She didn't know how far she went, just trusted that she'll find her way back somehow. Time seemed to move differently out there for her, so Eloise frankly stopped trying to tame it. "I know, I'm sorry." She whispered soothingly as she picked some berries from a bush, careful to do it as fast as painless as she could. Walking a few more feet to the trees, Eloise put her hand on a large trunk. It felt like it was talking to her. Issuing a warning.

"We're trying to leave as fast as we can. But we need rescue first." Eloise said as tears started filling up. "You won't even know we're here, I promise." She wasn't quite sure what was being said back to her. It sounded distorted but like she could almost make out words if she just tried a little harder. But as soon as she did she heard someone behind her, practically making Eloise jump out of her skin. "Sorry I didn't know anyone else was out here." She offered as if she wasn't just talking to herself or whatever else was out in the wilderness with her.

[wiilderncss]

"I can stay up with you?" Elyse said, her voice lifting in a question. "I...I don't know how much I'll be able to sleep, anyway." Sleep was hard enough to come by as it was with Elyse's mind constantly looping over itself. She had a hard time turning it off most of the time, let alone with such a catastrophe sure to be weighing on it. The people she'd never be talking to again, who hadn't ever made it out of the plane...she hadn't even begun to process that.

"You're probably right," Elyse agrees, looking over the small pile of bags she'd started collecting. "Just...feels weird, still. I feel like some of the girls were looking for their stuff..." But maybe that was just a comfort thing. It wasn't like her sweatshirt needed to be shared with the others. At least...not yet.

"No, it's okay. You're just being...realistic. We should try to be realistic about our situation." Their plane had crashed in some remote forest, or something - even if they were along the flight path Elyse imagined it would be hard to find where exactly they'd ended up. So, maybe a few days - a week. They could handle a week in the wilderness...as long as they worked together. Right?

"Planes don't go down everyday, right? I'm sure they're already looking for us. And in the meantime...well. We'll figure it out. Together." She offered Chloe a reassuring smile, bumping her shoulder lightly against her teammates.

[legacyfms]

"Yeah I'd like that a lot." Chloe said with a small smile. She was surprised Elyse wanted to stay up with her but she felt that it would be nice to have some company. "Honestly even if I didn't have this I don't think I'd sleep either. Everything's too fucked up for that."

"I know they were. They'll probably be happy to know it's here and maybe once we open it we can determine who's it is?" She tried offering in hopes that everyone could be happy with what they had. It was a hard situation, no one could prepare for it, but Chloe felt like everyone needed to cut each other some slack. No one is perfect all the time but especially in stressful events like a fucking plane crash.

Chloe sighed and shrugged. "Yeah but some optimism is needed about it too." And Chloe knew deep down she hadn't felt a lot of optimism in a long while. After all she still didn't know completely if her parents even knew she was missing and that broke her heart. Because if they didn't notice her then no one else in the world would have.

"Yeah exactly!" She offered, trying to sound hopeful. "People are looking for us and we just have to keep our heads up until help comes." Chloe just hoped that help was coming sooner rather than later.