Welcome to Gaia! ::

Time felt as if it'd come to a near stop. There was no telling if it was day or night unless Sasha checked the actual time, and even then it was confusing at best. She hadn't felt prepared to step foot above ground, and so she'd taken to lingering about in the infirmary much to Sunny's eternal dismay. Assisting those hurt or in pain, changing bedding, bringing MREs to those unable to move from their beds.

It was a mundane existance, but at least the voices had stopped. It had been like shrugging free of a suffocating shroud; the endless rush of whispers had been maddening, but in truth she was feeling almost lonely without them. Nona had been a source of nonstop comfort for Sasha. Though Sasha still worried for her beloved flute, Nona's songs and quiet conversations had been helpful in keeping the threat of madness at bay.

Sasha was seated on a cot, taking a small respite. She felt in decent spirit, for the first time since arriving here. It was nice to actually feel remotely upbeat about the current situation, and in truth Sasha was more than ready to head above ground. She was certain the labs needed clearing-out, and the pods most certainly needed checking on. Perhaps after a slight rest she would head out and accomplish something for herself.

Sasha hadn't heard the squeak; far too involved in her own mental musings, she hadn't really been paying enough attention to even notice Jerry's approach until he called out softly. At the sound of his voice, her shoulders slumped forward briefly before she turned about to face him. Her lips were parted in a bright smile.

"Jerry!"

They hadn't been able to interact much since arriving in the underground bunkers - it was entirely understandable, and so Sasha harbored no hard feelings. Duty first, after all.

Rising to her feet, Sasha shuffled forward, tucking a loose bit of hair back behind her ear. "How.. how are you? How have you been?" He looked ... well, Sasha was sure they'd all seen better days.

Sasha watched Jerry carefully, brows knit. She fidgeted for a few short seconds as she listened to him talk. He went topside, and had gone into her room? What.. what had he gone into her room for?

Mouth wrenching the slightest, Sasha crossed her arms over her chest as if hugging herself. Had he … he seemed … why did he seem so fretful?

"Mad? Wh.. why would I be mad?" It was confusing, really. She wasn't really the sort to get mad, and so.. what had he done?

"W-what did you do?" Sasha couldn't even wrap her head around what he might've done that could cause her to be upset with him. "And.. are you feeling better? I hope you are, Jerry. It's.. been rough." She offered him a half-smile.

Sasha blinked rapidly as he held the familiar case out to her, reaching out only after she realized that it was real - it wasn't going to vanish into thin air, and this wasn't some sort of cruel dream that she would find herself waking up from. Before her fingertips touched the dimpled leather of the case, she snatched her hand back and clasped her fingers to her lips. Tears pooled on her lashes, and with a breathless sort of laugh Sasha reached out again and tenderly took the case from Jerry.

Slender fingers danced against the rough leather, delicately unclasping either latch before she exhaled, eyes slipping shut as she opened the case. Tears tracked down her cheeks when she squeezed her eyes shut; with a husky sigh, she opened the case - and her eyes - at the same time.

She nearly wept at the familiar warm gold that glistened in the dim light.

"Oh.. oh Jerry."

A wave of emotion choked her as she slowly closed the case. Sasha made a strangled noise as she flung herself against Jerry's chest.

She promptly started sobbing.

Sasha nodded against his chest, one arm wrapping around him while the other clutched her flute to her chest. Yes, he was right. As long as they kept their heads, they would be fine.

"This ... I can't tell you how much this means to me," Sasha quietly mumbled against Jerry. She sniffled softly and patted at the damp spots on his shirt before tending to the dampness on her cheeks.

"W-why would you... I can't believe you did this. For me."

"Of course I would!"

Sasha's voice had lifted slightly with her words. The last thing she wanted was for Jerry to think she wouldn't have done the same for him. In fact, she should have been the one to rescue his guitar for him!

"Of course I would."

Her voice was softer the second time around. She stared up at him for a long moment before she shook her head.

"Come on, Jerry. You look... exhausted. Just.. how would you like to rest, and .. and I can sing you a song, or.. or I can tell you a story or even just.. hold your hand." It was the least she could do, really, after all he had done for her. For her.

Sasha waited until he was seated on the bed before she leaned forward, pressing a chaste kiss to the center of his forehead. He wanted to hear her play? Sasha would play for him. After all, Jerry had been one of the few constants in her life up until this point - and he'd retrieved the flute for her - no small feat as far as Sasha was concerned.

Setting the leather case down on the bed, Sasha unclasped it and reverently opened the lid of the case. She brushed her fingers against the smooth golden metal before she lifted it free of its confines; it didn't take her long to properly assemble it. Only then did Sasha peer around the makeshift barracks. Luckily there weren't any other occupants at the moment - nobody would be upset by her playing the flute for a few brief moments.

With a sheepish laugh, Sasha brusquely wiped away the teartracks that had dampened her cheeks.

"I'll play for you, Jerry. J-just… just for you."

Slowly she lifted the flute to her trembling lips. Yes, this was what she needed. This flute was all she had left of her previous life - it was all she had left of her papa, of the farm, of the time before.

Sasha played, the melody warm and utterly poignant. It carried with mellowed tones throughout the dim barracks; eyes closed, the trainee gently swayed as she played, lost in the sound of her music, lost in the comfort of her flute.