Day 58: Lunch

[full_score]

Although it had been good to see his mom again, Claude entered the cafeteria with a dark expression on his face. He was glad she felt comfortable enough with him to share her experiences from last night, but that didn't make him any less angry at the military for using her to do their dirty work. Why couldn't those bastards clean up their own

Comments

[human_sponge]

It was hard for Peter to willingly leave that patient alone when he'd seemed to really be suffering. It wasn't the obvious kind of suffering -- he wasn't screaming in pain or anything -- but something more quiet, where Peter had to wonder if there really was something mentally wrong with the man. It was hard to say, of course, and it wasn't like that was his area anyway, but he'd still wanted to help. Because in the end, that was always his instinct

[melodists]

Between arranging meetings and gathering information, Tear barely had a minute left to write up a thank-you note to Anise. In truth, the young woman wanted to contact her teammate and offer her thanks in person, but she understood the futility of a chance meeting in this place. Furthermore, the girl apparently had had some major business to attend to, if her earlier note of appreciation was of any indication. As long as she was well, Tear supposed it was best to leave Anise be for the time being

[human_sponge]

The girl who walked up to him was younger than he'd expected, but her physical description matched what he'd read and she was asking for him. Peter knew that this had to be Tear. Why was everyone so young here? He had figured from the formal language of her notes that she would have been at least in her twenties, but that didn't seem to be the case. Peter had never had this much interaction with people ten years younger than him in his life

[melodists]

There was something to take comfort in at having found the correct person, further accentuated by the need at hand. Having gained information through other patients and the bulletin board, Tear concluded that an organization focused on aid was vital. Knowing this man had stepped up to the task was both comforting and admirable. Here, she hoped she could contribute as much of her experience as possible, and they could create a system that could thrive in this place

[human_sponge]

Peter had to admit, it felt good to have someone thank him for putting in the extra effort to try and put this all together. It wasn't that his previous attempts had been ignored outright, but it certainly felt like he was the only one seriously addressing the need for a group like this

[melodists]

That was an astute observation. There existed very little safe zones in the hospital. Getting attacked while attending to the injured could break their efforts. She mulled over the possibility for a moment, eyes narrowing as Tear attempted to sort out the workarounds. It wasn't that she had overlooked the chance, no. She had more placed greater importance on helping those who had the misfortune of being experimented upon

[human_sponge]

Tear really was mature. Instead of being offended by him questioning a part of her plan, she reevaluated and tried to find another solution. Peter could already tell that this was going to work out. With the two of them sorting through ideas and doing their best to recruit others, they had to be able to pull this off

[melodists]

By now, Tear was certainly grateful it was Peter who had agreed to meet with her. The man was a wonderful sounding board and had great critiques for her suggestions. Furthermore, he obviously knew the institute well enough to offer new pieces of information to help come up with a satisfactory solution. She had a feeling they could manage something with what they currently had

[human_sponge]

For a moment, the more serious and business-like expression disappeared off of Tear's face. It was good to see that she could get excited about things, though Peter realized that most teenagers would have been making that face in response to getting a date for the prom or getting a good grade on a paper -- not because they'd just found out that there was another group of people out there trying to help torture victims

[melodists]

Another highlight came in the form of acquaintanceship. It was easier to approach someone with a proposition when there were some recognition between the parties. "I will see if I can get in contact with him," Tear said, the words a promise. She would have to put up a note after lunch to arrange a meeting. Though it might have been simpler to sort out the matter on the board itself, the staff no doubt read its contents. Ultimately, it was safer to organize in person

[human_sponge]

That wasn't a question that he could answer so easily. Peter hadn't had much of a connection to the original clinic since it had only been around when he was still fairly new to the institute, when he'd been trying to use his powers rather than his learned skills to make a difference

[melodists]

[I'M SORRY FOR THE LATENESS AND THE SHORTNESS, COURT. T_T]

As she thought, the answer was less than hopeful. It was to be expected, Tear supposed, from a place where guaranteed presence was a dream. Regardless, there was no point in dwelling on the missing. Their absence was a tragedy, yes, but becoming swept up in that detail would do nothing to bring them back. Therefore, she mulled over Peter's explanation for a moment, before nodding to show both her understanding and agreement.

"Let me know if you need assistance with following up on the volunteers," the soldier then offered. "Also, you mentioned you had some supplies already, but is there anything else you need? I am planning to locate a weapon tonight, but I may have time to make a few detours." If their first official night was coming up, they might as well be extra prepared.

[human_sponge]

[No worries! We can probably start wrapping this up?]

"I might need help. It depends on how many of them want to meet up with us in person before deciding to join." Everyone was different when it came to things like that, so Peter would just have to put his feelers out and see how people reacted as the paramedic group became more of a reality. He was going to have to try and track down anyone who had even showed a vague interest, even if it might mean asking about someone who had already disappeared from this place.

It was unsettling how easy it was to not notice someone vanishing, but Peter knew that wasn't really his fault.

"I don't think supplies are that big of a deal right now," he said. "I've already got a pretty good stockpile and two people have offered to drop by with more tonight." Which was great, since it made his job that much easier, and he'd also be able to meet up with and connect to more people who might be interested in the cause. "Thanks for the offer, though." For now, Tear should probably just worry about

[melodists]

[Yup, can do.]

That sounded reasonable. If enough people expressed interest, it may take both of their efforts to ensure they had all the details. She probably didn't need to worry, though. Peter proved competent in handling the organization of the group; things would likely fall into place once they got it underway. If the man already had offers for supplies, they were halfway there already.

"Understood," said Tear. "I'll keep in touch over the bulletin. If Javert gets back to me, I'll let you know of any agreements." Just as she finished her sentence, the intercom chimed, signaling the end of lunch. Despite not completing her meal, the young woman appeared pleased. No wonder, too. They had covered a lot of ground.

"I'm glad we were able to discuss this," she continued, her lips curving into a smile. "I look forward to working with you on this group." And hopefully provide her all.