[she might be breaking again. just a little bit. because he's right-- Laphicet's ideal world is for Velvet, not her. and while she understands that. . . while she isn't angry, while she doesn't care that Laphicet made a selfish choice out of his love for Velvet because that's how their group was, it still. . .]

[going for so long without a place to belong, and then finding one, and then having it potentially ripped away from her so easily. . . and that, coupled with Laphicet dying tomorrow. . . she's perhaps just a little not okay right now]

[just a little]

[she stiffens when he hugs her, plants a hand on his shoulder and almost pushes him away. but there's something grounding about that warmth, something that beckons to her and keeps her from bolting. so instead of pushing, she curls her fingers into his blazer and presses her forehead against his other shoulder]

[she's still shaking with laughter, though she somehow manages to talk between strained chortles]

N-no performances tonight, huh? It's really funny, honestly! Don't you like dramatic irony? Heh. . . H-hey, you know what this means? I-if I get out of here alive, I wonder if I could ask one of the Chiefs to send me to another world? There are so many universes out there, right? Where would I even start!

Oh oh, even better-- I could start up my own talent agency. I'd take all sorts of auditions! I bet the t-talent in other universes is unique and inspiring.