Dite's Suite, Arms Hotel, Monday Afternoon

[glacial_queen]

Anytime there was an overnight trip to the island these days, it was traditional for people who'd been given a key stayed over in Dite's Suite. During reunion weekend, there were several such people--and all their friends--but while that meant that sleeping quarters were a bit cramped, it reminded Karla of the giant slumber parties she used to throw in the dorms, roughly a million years ago. And it was good to be able to look around and see so many people she loved in one place.

Other than her meeting with Ino later, Karla had no plans for the day. She'd probably go out and make one last round of the island, though she was loathe to disturb Kayla from where she was playing quietly in her playpen. Hmm, maybe she could just see how many people she could get to visit the room instead. The Arms had excellent room service, after all, and food plus friends equaled a party.

[For anyone who thinks they stayed in Dite's Suite and anyone else who is inclined to visit and/or thinks they'd get an invite from Karla. Soo...basically anybody, good job me. SP is loved and late pings welcomed! I DON'T WANT TO SAY GOODBYE TO ANYONE YET]

Comments

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

"My influence?" Triela pondered that. "Well, maybe. But I should remind you that when I first arrived at the island, I didn't really know how to tease or banter."

She quirked an eyebrow, not feeling the need to say it. I learned it from you.

[glacial_queen]

Karla's answering grin said it quite loudly for her.

"Of all the things I've done on this island, that's one of the things I'm most proud of," Karla said, resting her head on Triela's shoulder.

They'd made her a soldier. Somewhere down the line, she'd learned how to be a good big sister. But it was Fandom that had taught Triela how to be a friend.

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

Triela responded by leaning her own head against Karla's.

"You did a good job," she said softly.

"Thanks."

[glacial_queen]

"It was my pleasure," Karla said, just as softly. But there was no doubting the sincerity in it. "I miss you, you know. Not every day. And it's not the sharp pang it used to be. It's more...something I stumble over, sometimes."

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

"I wish I could still be there for you. With you."

The smile in Triela's voice was a warm one.

"But it sounds like you've gotten on just fine without me. Friends. Family. People there for you." A moment of easy silence. "I'm glad."

[glacial_queen]

"I am, too," Karla said. "And I'm happier than I ever thought I'd be, back when I was thinking of my future in high school. But none of them can replace you, either." She gave Triela a soft smile. "You're always in my heart, even if you're not part of my life."

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

"Good." Triela grinned, teasing slightly. "I'd hate to think you'd gotten over me."

[glacial_queen]

"Not a chance," Karla said. "For one thing, I still have my boots. They're a bit stained now," because war "but they still function. When they finally get past the point where I can wear them, I'm sending them to a cobbler for them to be taken apart and new ones fashioned."

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

Triela blinked in surprise. "You... still have them?"

There was a slightly awkward smile on her face.

[glacial_queen]

"You gave me knife-boots, Triela," Karla said, her tone saying 'duhhh.' "Of course I still have them!"

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

"That was a long time ago," Triela murmured softly, still looking pleased.

[glacial_queen]

"Still useful," Karla said with a soft chuckle. "And, as I was told, Italian craftsmanship lasts a good long time."

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

"Well." Triela looked down at her own boots with a grin. Even if it was hard to say exactly how old they were. Who knew how that worked? "Someone told you the truth there."

[glacial_queen]

"Yeah, she was generally truthful about things. A little mistaken about some things, like how very awesome I am, but truthful."

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

"Uh huh." Triela bit back a grin. "And how awesome are you, anyway?"

[glacial_queen]

"Incredibly so," Karla said, tossing her hair. "I'm like fine wine, darling. I've only gotten better with age."

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

"One of those that gets fuller-bodied over time?" Triela suggested with a very tiny smirk.

[glacial_queen]

Karla's jaw dropped for a second at the sheer beauty of that--the excellent delivery, the fine wordplay--and then laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes.

[sorella-vecchia.livejournal.com]

Triela leaned over, wrapping Karla in a light hug as she laughed along, though not nearly as hard.

"I'm glad you can still laugh like that," she grinned.