un: grimm

[hagrides]

My roommate since I arrived in Lunatia one year ago, Lobco, has gone home. The apartment is terribly quiet without her, even though she was never the loud type. Strange how that happens.

Will you remember what has transpired here when you return? Do you wish to remember?

Comments

[hagrides]

[Sometimes just having a voice to speak isn't enough.]

It would bring me happiness if the Hollow Knight was able to retain some good memories from their stay here.

[dreamnailedit]

The Void is supposed to touch all. Perhaps, in all the infinite worlds, she will find a way to us.

To them.

[It's an absurd hope to cling to, and they know it, but they've lost two of their best friends, their sister, and their biggest sibling in the time they've been here. They've got to believe in something.]

[hagrides]

[Grimm has lost two members of his troupe here, those he considered as close as family - and the Hollow Knight besides.]

Perhaps. Such would be the happy ending they both deserve.

[dreamnailedit]

I cannot reach out to feel them right now. All we can do is hope.

[Which really doesn't feel like much.]

How are you coping?

[hagrides]

Our child is providing many cuddles. They miss her as well, of course.

[dreamnailedit]

They have lost many people recently as well.

You are at home, yes?

[hagrides]

Indeed. Would you care to visit, my friend?

[dreamnailedit]

Yes. I think at your side is where I should be, where I want to be, right now.

It will not take long.

to action

[hagrides]

The door is unlocked.

[When they arrive, the Knight will find Grimm sitting in a comfortable chair, with Grimmchild in his arms. They mewl plaintively when the Knight enters, distressed both for their own sake and for their parent's.]

Action

[dreamnailedit]

[As promised, it's a short trip. They know how to reach Grimm's home, and they weren't far away to begin with. So soon enough, the Knight opens the door and scuttles in.

Closing the door behind themselves, they scuttle over to him and their child, hopping up onto the arm of the chair with no difficulty. One hand moves to pat the child, the other to Grimm's arm. They can't communicate that way... but really, what would they have to say, anyway?]

[hagrides]

Thank you, my friend.

[They can't say much like this, but they don't need to - their presence is enough. Grimm sets a hand gently on top of their head.]

I worry for her. Her treatment before coming here was not what she deserved.

[dreamnailedit]

[They nod. Both to his thanks and his comment about Lobco. They don't know as much about her home life as Grimm and the Hollow Knight, they think. But they know enough.

And it's absolutely horrifying.

They pull back enough to sign at him.]

If I could go with her to strike at the ones hurting her, I would.

[hagrides]

[cries in canon familiar]

As would I. That would be easy. To wait and hope is far more difficult.

[dreamnailedit]

I should be used to that.

[There's so much they can't actually effect, after all.]

[hagrides]

You have been able to do a great deal for others, my friend.

[dreamnailedit]

[It doesn't feel like enough, sometimes, but this isn't about them, anyway. Far more importantly...]

Do you think we did enough for Lobco?

[hagrides]

...I believe so. She was far happier at the end of her time here than at the beginning.

[Even if she rarely said as much, it was obvious when you knew someone that long.]

[dreamnailedit]

[They pause for a moment there, nodding at the memories of Lobco with them.

And then they lean back into Grimm and the Child, nuzzling, alright with letting their arms go back to hugging them. They don't have anything else to ask. Not for now anyway.]

[hagrides]

[For a few minutes, Grimm just hugs the Knight back, letting a comfortable silence settle over the apartment. Broken only by Grimmchild starting to purr at the cuddles.]

...How lucky I am, to have people who make saying goodbye so difficult.

[He doesn't just mean Lobco. Grimmchild, the Knight... Danny...]

[dreamnailedit]

[They can't answer without backing away again, but they pat his shoulder softly. It was always hard for them, thinking of having to say goodbye to Grimm. They know how it feels.

Especially since they had to show him off to the next world personally.

Yes, it was at his urging, to grow their child and continue his cycle. That didn't make it easier.]

[hagrides]

I am in a relationship in Lunatia.

[It's the first he's mentioned it to the Knight - Danny was shy and wanted to keep things on the down-low, but it should be fine as long as he doesn't give Danny's name.]

I wonder - was that irresponsible of me? Knowing that I cannot promise my future to my beloved.

[dreamnailedit]

[That is a surprise, and the Knight raises their head abruptly upon being informed. Grimm doesn't explain much more about the relationship than that he apparently has one, but he goes for another topic.

The Knight pulls back again to respond.]

My sibling was to return to the Void at some point. Lobco could have been sent to her home at any time. Were they being irresponsible?

[hagrides]

Not in the slightest. I am glad they sought happiness together, however briefly it may have been.

[it's different when it's him though??]

[dreamnailedit]

Then is it not the same with you? Everything here is temporary. Their relationship. My friendship with Usagi. You are not unique here, Grimm.

[hagrides]

...You are correct, of course. I am simply harder on myself than I am on anyone else.