The remainder of the day has been spent largely in Yan Sun's room, as she's tinkered with her hand to fix the damage done by the PubSec shocker. There's been a break to eat, the food retrieved by Yan Sun from the penthouse kitchen, but freshly prepared, and Yan Sun has shown Jessica how to watch vids in her room - with a command to Guang Huan the windows had darkened and glass that the couch faces had projected a massive, crisp screen with a
#SunTower – March 22, 2026
practically limitless library of things to watch - or games to play, for that matter. Sau Sun hasn't made another appearance since the shared meal, either giving the two of them some space, or being kept busy by his work. Now, Yan Sun is done, cybernetic fingers moving nimbly as ever, and sits staring into space at her desk - at least until she snaps out of it and spins her chair around, eyes seeking out her girlfriend. "Hey... Jessica?"
Jessica has spent the last while sprawled out on the couch watching TV. She's converted the corner into her own goblin lair where she lies wrapped in a nest of blankets. She made sure to bring a few beers from the pool bar and they stand arranged in a row on the table along with whatever remains of the bottle of wine. As she hears Yan Sun, her head lifts from the stack of pillows it rests on and she cranes her neck to peer Yan Sun's
Yan Sun raises her left hand and wiggles her fingers to show of her successful repairs, a faint smile tugging briefly at one corner of her mouth. "All done," she says. It's not hard to tell that there's something else on her mind, but, well, first things first!
Jessica snickers. "Everything is-... working now?" she asks, the words turning strained through a yawn as she begins to stretch partway through, arms extending out above her, one hand grabbing the wrist of her other.
Yan Sun nods, putting away some of the tools before crossing the room and taking a seat on the back of the couch. "Good as new," she replies quietly, gaze landing on the screen. "What are you watching?"
Jessica watches Yan Sun as she starts to make her way over. "Mm. Now you are no longer like-..." she brings her own hand up close to her chest and makes a stiff claw with it, tired grin on her face. The question garners a shrug of her shoulders and she gestures over to the screen with a lazy nod of her head. On the screen, a man is frantically hitting a button on the elevator as tense music plays, peering out into a dark hallway as if
something might be chasing him. Through the darkness, a figure becomes visible, just enough to get the hulking shape of its silhouette as the elevator doors snap shut. A roar sounds out from the other side and the door dents inward, the man slumping to the floor and backing into the corner to get as far away from the door as possible. Another set of bangs sound out and the elevator begins to move, causing the man to draw in a
deep breath in relief. "This krogan is killing everyone on this ship." Jessica explains the plot, gesturing idly to the screen. "But-... the krogan is a ghost! .....Maybe?" she continues before frowning, as if suddenly realizing she might not really understand the plot as well as she thought she did, but ultimately she shrugs. "Is called Blood Rage." she adds, naming a mediocre horror series that is still chugging along with
Yan Sun lets out a snort, a slightly puzzled grin briefly crossing her lips. "No, no I haven't," she replies before the smile fades. She looks down at her hands, fiddling with her now-mobile fingers. "I was just wondering, uh, you asked about my mother's music. Earlier. And I thought..." She looks to Jessica, and then off towards the door with a small shrug.
Jessica follows Yan Sun's gaze towards the door when suddenly the man on the screen screams, a loud crash sounding out and briefly drawing her attention back to it. The elevator is no longer descending! In fact, it's come to a complete stop! The man looks around frantically as the elevator lights blink in and out. Seemingly at least somewhat invested in the vid, Jessica takes a quick moment to pause it, the room falling silent as her
head lulls back against the pillow, peering up at Yan Sun perched above her. "You are going to show me...?" she asks.
Yan Sun 's attention is drawn by the happenings on the screen for a moment, but when Jessica pauses she looks down at her and shrugs again. "If that's-... I mean, you don't have to," she's quick to clarify, gaze darting away, across the room. "There's some recordings, and we could... nevermind, it's weird. Why would you-..." she backtracks, suddenly self-conscious about the suggestion once it's spoken out loud.
Jessica remains silent as she lets Yan Sun ramble her way through her thoughts. Once her partner finishes, she shifts a bit, freeing herself from her blanket prison and sitting up to climb off the couch. "Show me." she says plainly, completely disregarding Yan Sun's apprehension.
Yan Sun stops and looks back to Jessica, her lip twitching slightly. There's a warm appreciation in her eyes, and she lets out a breath, getting up and grabbing her hand. "Yeah. Okay," she says, starting to lead the way out of the room.
Jessica follows Yan Sun out of the room. Once in the hall, she uses her grip on Yan Sun's hand to playfully tug her in close, arms slipping around her shoulders from behind. "Where we are going, slut?" she asks, pressing against her and making their movement slow and shuffling.
Yan Sun 's movement through the corridor is rendered awkward and slow as Jessica takes on the role of cape, a faint, slightly exasperated snort slipping out as she reaches up to put a hand on one of her arms. "The recording studio. Around the corner."
Jessica shuffles forward, unbothered by being an impediment to their progress. "Recording studio...?" she asks, the confusion clear in her voice.
Yan Sun nods against her. "Yeah. It's... where she would practice," she says quietly, practically at a stop now. She slips out of Jessica's arms and tugs her along around the corner and further down the corridor, past one of the formerly locked doors - now unlocked.
Jessica gives a thoughtful hum. Of course she'd have a room dedicated solely to her hobby. They have a pool. Multiple bars. A museum. Why not? The shock of it all has long since worn off by now.
Yan Sun leads the way back into the library, and there opens a door. It leads into a room with another door on the left, and next to it a set of holographic control panels and a chair in front of a window overlooking a soundproofed room that holds a solitary chair and a stand, presumably for sheet music. At the far end of the room is yet another door. To the right is a shelf full of booklets and a few boxes, and there's a large stand as
well, which holds a cello - while meticulously maintained, there's an obvious age to the wood. A sense of history to it that's at odds with anything else in the penthouse that isn't behind a glass box. It could very well be hundreds of years old. Yan Sun stops and draws in a breath after entering, eyes on the instrument.
Jessica follows Yan Sun into the room, passing a cursory glance around the room before her gaze, too, turns to the cello. It's not hard to figure out why it's the focus of Yan Sun's attention. She once again brings her arms around Yan Sun from behind, the act far less obnoxious this time, and gives her a gentle squeeze as she peers over Yan Sun's shoulder to look into the glassed off room. She presses a quick kiss against her partner's
shoulder. "This was hers, yes?" she asks the obvious, perhaps just trying to keep Yan Sun from slipping too far into her own thoughts.
Yan Sun reaches out to touch the wood with her fingertips for just a moment, Jessica's question drawing a nod from her. "Yeah..." she exhales, her attention turning to the room through the window. It sits dark and empty, but nothing's been put away, as if it's user could come back any day.
Jessica swallows, taking a moment to study the instrument. Unfamiliar as it may be to her, there's undoubtedly countless memories buried here for Yan Sun. Memories that are each likely burning a hole in her right now. A feeling that Jessica is all too familiar with. She releases her grip on Yan Sun and steps closer to the window, peering into the dark room.
Yan Sun falls silent. After she's released, she slowly takes a seat in the chair. Her eyes linger on the empty room, but then she swallows hard and look down to the inert controls, reaching out to touch them and bring them to life. She starts navigating through the interface, scrolling down lists, her face illuminated by orange glow of the holographics.
Jessica's gaze turns back to Yan Sun as the interface begins to light up and she steps up beside her, watching curiously.
Yan Sun stops browsing, presumably finding what she's looking for. She hesitates. One second. Two. Three. Then she presses her fingers to the interface. In the room on the other side of the glass, a translucent form of pale light flickers to life, its glow illuminating the space. The holographic figure, an elegant woman in a traditional dress, her hair tied back in an elaborate bun, goes to take a seat on the very real chair, but the
instrument that she reaches for is as spectral as she is. Yan Sun's eyes fix on the sight, frozen in her own seat as she watches.
Jessica isn't quite prepared for the visual element, having expected to merely hear some audio recordings, and there's an unexpected feeling in the pit of her stomach when the ghostly image appears on the other side of the glass. She absently brings a hand to Yan Sun's shoulder, her weight pressing onto her slightly as she observes the hologram. "I-..." she begins but falls silent, the words getting lost in her throat, merely shaking
Yan Sun doesn't ask, all her attention on the holographic apparition in front of her. There's no mistaking who the woman is even without context. While she moves with an elegance that her daughter very much lacks, it's obvious in her face, doubly so when it scrunches up in focus as she adjusts her cello, getting ready to play. It's the same look Yan Sun has whenever she's tinkering with something. Yan Sun's expression now is tightly
controlled, holding back the chaotic mix of emotions bubbling up beneath the surface. Utter silence fills the sound-proofed studio, almost eerie. Then it's broken as ethereal bow touches ethereal strings. A low, somber note fills the entirety of the isolated space, rumbling with contained emotion.
Jessica draws in a tense breath as they watch, no doubt aware of just how heavy this must be weighing on Yan Sun. She tenses her hand, gently squeezing her partner's shoulder in a silent attempt at providing some measure of comfort with her presence.
The melody that fills the air is slow and melancholy, unadorned by any accompaniment. Just the sound of a centuries-old instrument in the hands of someone that has clearly dedicated a whole lot of time and effort to mastering it. It's obvious that Yan Sun's mother was a musician - this wasn't just some eccentric hobby. The holographic image plays with intense focus, eyes closed.
Jessica's gaze remains fixed to the hologram, slight frown etched into her features as the music fills the studio. It's impossible for her to not think of her own mother at a time like this when she finds herself staring the death of her partner's mother in the literal face. Her eyes dip lower towards the floor, opting to focus on the music instead of the undeniably haunting image before her.
Yan Sun sits in silence for minutes, eyes growing wet. Tears start to roll, but her face remains the same, and she doesn't make a sound. Just watching and listening.
The recorded performance starts to grow in intensity as it goes on, higher notes piercing through the low rumbling. The image of Yan Sun's mother is so lifelike and sharp that it's easy to forget she's not there even though she's manifested from constrained light.
Jessica continues to listen in silence, eventually daring to look back at the intangible woman reaching out from the past for this performance. She finds herself studying the lines of her face. The shapes that repeat on Yan Sun's. "You look like her..." she says quietly, breaking her silence. A simple thought voiced aloud as she passes a glance to the woman beside her.
Yan Sun 's only reply is a breath that slips through her lips, the taste of salt on her tongue after mouth opens. The performance continues, intensity still mounting, faster and louder, the holographic performer trembling a little. Then the music crescendos, and falls away, a last few low, lingering notes closing out the piece. The projection of Yan Sun's mother moves as if breathing, lingering in the moment and in the music for a time. Then
her eyes open, and she's looking over at the window - through the window - as if at them, and smiles wide and pleased, it too an echo of Yan Sun's. It's a smile that shatters the somber, elegant image, excited and joyful. Yan Sun's face twists, controlled expression struggling.
Jessica's expression only grows more somber as the performance goes on, her emotions pulled in multiple directions at once. There's an undeniable frustration- jealousy even- that they're able to watch this. A moment, frozen in time, of her mother that Yan Sun will forever have. Surely one of many. Something that Jessica will never get. Old photos are the only proof that her family ever even existed. And then there's guilt for even
having those thoughts. For inevitably comparing Yan Sun's family to the people that took her life from her. Something that's gotten so much harder to ignore since their arrival here. This room alone probably costed more than everything her family owned. Such an extravagant lifestyle, it only makes sense that even their memories would get to be more glamorous. And that's what it always comes back to, doesn't it? People who have
too much but can't help themselves from taking more. But she still can't help but feel like she was punched in the gut at the sudden silence that comes after. An exclamation point at the end of a life as much as an end to the performance. And when the frustration... the jealousy... the guilt... the anger quiets down with it, all that she's left with is a sadness. Sadness for someone from the
other side of the tracks. Someone who, despite everything, has become very important to her. Someone that is experiencing a profound loss that she's all too familiar with. Right now, the rest doesn't matter. She swallows at the lump in her throat, gaze fixed to the spot where a woman once was, and leans down to press a kiss against the top of Yan Sun's head.
Yan Sun 's composure fractures as the specter in the other room fades away, leaving the space beyond the glass in darkness once more. A loud sniffle fills the silence before she, after Jessica's kiss, turns in her chair and buries her face against her chest, muffling crying that's no longer silent and restrained. Her arms wrap around Jessica, holding on tight.
Jessica brings her arms around Yan Sun in turn. No words come, but it's not long before the glassiness in her good eye begins to spill over as Yan Sun's sobs cut through her.
Yan Sun 's muffled sobs continue, her body shaking faintly as tears stain Jessica's clothes, but they feel different than the other night. Just as painful, yes, but they're less unmoored and hollow this time. More cathartic. Her fingers clutch the fabric of Jessica's shirt tightly as she keeps on crying, but eventually her head turns as she gasps for air, ragged breaths replacing sobs as she remains pressed against the woman holding her.
Jessica's arms remain wrapped tightly around Yan Sun, only briefly tearing a hand away to wipe at her own cheek. She does her best to keep her own emotions in check, lest that dam be broken, but a few sniffles slip out. When Yan Sun turns away she gives her a gentle squeeze. "I am here, kitty cat..." she offers, uncharacteristically soft in both tone and intent.
Yan Sun makes a noise somewhere halfway between another sob and a laugh, a sniffle following before she gets out a quiet, hoarse "...thank you...", still clinging to Jessica.
Jessica gives a quiet, hummed affirmation but seems to be content to just remain like this, arms around Yan Sun, for as long as she needs.
Yan Sun eventually takes a deep breath and lifts her head, but takes hold of Jessica's arm and keeps her close. She's still sniffly, face a mess from crying as she looks over at the empty chair in the other room. Thinking.
Jessica follows her gaze, studying the chair for a moment before her attention shifts back to Yan Sun. She watches her in silence before eventually, prodding her for her thoughts with a hummed: "Mm?" She brings a hand to Yan Sun's chin, urging her to look up at her.
Yan Sun looks up at Jessica when her gaze is guided there. Her right eye is red from crying, while her left is still pristine white, the glow of her iris making her lingering tears sparkle. She breaks away, unable to keep Jessica's gaze. "She was good, right?" It's not what's on her mind, that much is obvious, but it still brings a small smile to her lips.
Jessica can't quite muster a smile, but she does what she can. A small nod follows. Not that she particularly knows what a good cello performance would sound like. Up until a few minutes ago she wasn't even sure what a cello was. But while Jessica might be a lot of things, at her core she's an artist, and the passion behind the performance was clear enough to bleed through across mediums. That alone is enough for her to lend some
Yan Sun 's faint smile wavers and fades, her gaze low as she leans against Jessica's arm, still held close. There's silence for a time, and then, quietly: "I keep wondering why she didn't do anything..."
Jessica's semblance of a smile wavers as Yan Sun voices the question she's had. A question that also, unfortunately, hits close to home. "...You are meaning about your father...?" she asks.
Jessica draws in a breath, nodding softly to herself. Silence settles back in as her thoughts wander, distant gaze watching through the glass that separates the rooms. "My mother was verrry disappointed with me." she finally says, the briefest hint of pride entering her tone despite the implication of her words, a fact reflected by the smile that doesn't quite manifest on her face.
Yan Sun gives Jessica's arm a squeeze. "Mine was too. I think. I thought. But now I-... I don't know what to think anymore. About either of them."
Jessica gives a few distant nods, "You are thinking that maybe he knows he was being a fuck...?" she asks plainly.
Jessica draws in a heavy breath, deciding that the words on the tip of her tongue are probably better left unsaid. "I am only seeing him for a little while, but I am thinking he is probably still a fuck." she says, also deciding she's going to say them anyway.
Yan Sun 's shoulders slump a little, and a faint snort slips out. "Yeah. Maybe," she concedes quietly. "But I've never seen him like this before. And he's never apologized like that before."
Jessica doesn't push the issue. Making Yan Sun feel worse isn't the intention. This time she manages to fight off the urge to voice the nagging thought lingering and instead shifts, scooting away slightly to take a seat at the edge of the desk, hands falling to her lap.
Yan Sun looks up at Jessica as she pulls away and sits on the desk in front of her. The holographic interface fizzles and blurs around her, her midsection surrounded by fuzzy, glowing orange. A few stray tears escape, garnering an exasperated sound from Yan Sun as she reaches up to wipe them away, before reaching out to grab Jessica's hands, scooting her chair closer and watching her.
Jessica brings her feet up onto the edges of the chair on each side of Yan Sun as she scoots closer, interlacing her fingers with Yan Sun's. Silence once again begins to settle in, her gaze shifting to their hands as she draws idle shapes onto the back of Yan Sun's with her thumb.
Yan Sun join Jessica in looking down at their hands, and then just closes her eyes for a moment as she focuses on the soothing sensation of Jessica's thumb making idle patterns. Eventually, she looks up at her again. "...what do you want to do tomorrow?" she asks with a slight, fond quirk of the corner of her mouth, rotating her chair slightly from side to side.
Jessica cocks an eyebrow, unable to resist the slight tug at the edge of her own mouth at the question and she shrugs her shoulders. She's been doing her best to avoid thinking about tomorrow. Thankfully she has a lot of practice. "Mm." she hums thoughtfully, gaze flicking upwards before settling back on Yan Sun, "I am thinking that maybe I should get some clothes from our room for if we are going to be staying here. These-..." she
drawls, giving an exaggerated wince and bringing one of her hands back to pluck at the waistline of her borrowed sweatpants with her thumb, "...sucks."
Yan Sun looks Jessica over, letting out a tired snicker. "We can definitely do that," she agrees, giving her hands a squeeze. "I wanted to grab some stuff too. I... know this isn't exactly what we planned, but I'm really glad you're here. With me."
Jessica once again ignores that nagging feeling in the back of her mind. "I am only here for the free food and booze." she assures through a grin, giving Yan Sun's thigh a poke with her foot.
Yan Sun snickers again, a small grin of her own crossing her lips. "Well, I'll make sure not to disappoint on that front. Whatever it takes to keep you around," she jokes, finding relief in the levity as she stands up and leans in to press a light kiss to Jessica's lips. "Let's go back to my room?" she suggests with a nod in the direction of the door.
Jessica snorts. "Mm. I will make a list then." she muses, her words almost sounding like a threat as she leans in to press a grin against Yan Sun's lips. She reaches up and wipes at the lingering wetness in the corner of her eye before slipping off the desk and following behind Yan Sun.