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[oohforeshadowing]

Let me get back to you, darling.

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[toabsolution]

Yeah, that's what I was wonderin'. Just cared for my own benefit.

[Sigh.]

Who were you?

[oohforeshadowing]

Oh, barely distinguishable from myself, really.

[In love with Fou-Lu. Constantly fretting over their sister. Ugh.]

And you?

[toabsolution]

Yeah. Sure. Same as myself.

You know I don't believe you.

[oohforeshadowing]

Yes, I've made my peace with that.

In all seriousness, what does it matter? You learn as much about me from a breach identity as you would from a character I've played on the stage.

Less, actually, since I at least chose that character.

[toabsolution]

I dunno. I think there's some similarities. Least when it comes to what I get stuck with.

I always get my hat.

[oohforeshadowing]

Do you...consider your hat to be a cornerstone of who you are as a person?

[toabsolution]

Hey! I like this hat.

Fou-Lu took my other one.

[oohforeshadowing]

...

Why?

[toabsolution]

Because he was hot and it was sunny and he's so damn pale, I'd thought he'd fry up.

So I gave it up and he ruined it with his little horns.

[oohforeshadowing]

Well, that's really on you for not using a little foresight, don't you think?

[toabsolution]

Suppose so.

Anyway, the hat ain't the only thing that was the same. But that's something I want to talk to you in person about.

[oohforeshadowing]

Really. Well, I'm up on deck.

[toabsolution]

He isn't in a hurry for this particular conversation, but it's better than letting it sit.

So he heads up the stairs to the deck.

"Hey Trouble."

[oohforeshadowing]

"Hello, warden."

They're drinking a coffee and looking unflappable as usual.

"So, what is that the network would find unable to communicate?"

[toabsolution]

"Maybe I just like seein' your face on somethin' that ain't a screen," he points out, turning and leaning back against the railing, facing them.

"Got a question for you, though. And I want you to answer it honestly."

[oohforeshadowing]

Trouble lifts their eyebrows in a way that says 'good luck', but simply says:

"Go on."

[toabsolution]

"You think I can help you?"

He raises himself up a bit, pushing his hat from his eyes.

[oohforeshadowing]

"I think you're as qualified as anyone else. But come on, darling, the interesting part of this conversation happens when you explain why you're asking."

[toabsolution]

"Hm." He considers them a moment, quietly.

"Thinkin' about what we talked about last. About the breach, too."

He folds his arms across his chest.

[oohforeshadowing]

"Yes. And?"

They just give him a bland look. Get to the point, friend.

[toabsolution]

"I need my memories back."

He keeps his eyes on them. "And the only way I can do that is to just get rid of those damn things at home, I think. It ain't right to put that on you so- I think I just have to do it myself."

[oohforeshadowing]

They sip their coffee slowly.

"Ah. You're leaving."

[toabsolution]

"Won't be for long," he says evenly, sensing that this might not be good.

[oohforeshadowing]

Trouble laughs quietly.

"Darling. You know that's not really your promise to make, don't you?"

[toabsolution]

"I ain't leaving for good," he tells them firmly.