Nails attends a party at the 'dito sharehouse. Rúa catches them alone, hoping to impart some helpful advice.
Setting: The Bandito Sharehouse, Summer X114
Nails
There was a time when Nails would have said parties were not her scene. But from her many nights dancing solo at the club, to the hustle and bustle of working at the hospital, Nails can now say she’s successfully trained out her aversion to crowds.
So, when Takeo invites her to a house party at the ‘dito sharehouse, she accepts. The thought of being in an intimate space, full of strangers and awkward small talk, admittedly fills her with some unease. (She may no longer fear crowds, but her people skills can still use a lot of work.) However–the promise of Takeo toting her around, introducing her to his friends as his partner, almost like he’s… proud not ashamed of her? That fills her frosty little heart with an ooey-gooey feeling, sappy and self-conscious, all at once.
She spends most of the night as Takeo’s shadow, glued to his side as she’s introduced to a whirlwind of people. Everyone is shouting to be heard over the loud music, but she manages to register a few names. She likes Marc, and Neeva. She dances for a few songs, too.
When the overstimulation inevitably hits, Nails pats Takeo on the arm to get his attention, and leans in to whisper-shout that she needs a break. Between his offered spots of refuse: Takeo's room or the back porch, Nails opts for the latter.
After donning her boots, she steps out onto the porch by herself, and lets the shoddy door rattle closed behind her. The door does little to quiet the music and voices bumping from inside–still, it creates a comfortable barrier between herself and where the action is.
There’s a few people lingering out here, sharing cigs and drinks. They don’t acknowledge her, so she shuffles over to an empty section by the railing to be alone. (edited)Sunday, December
Between the physical effect alcohol has on them, and their shyness from the attention they’ve received all night long, Nails doesn’t need a mirror to know their face is currently very flushed. They tilt their face towards the summer air, fanning their cheeks with their hands, trying to cool off the sweat on the back of their neck.
-
Rúa
Rúa was a regular guest around the Dito parties of the younger crowd. She kept away from the worst of them, but she considered them her neighbors and it was best to be on good terms. And, of course, it was fun. Sometimes there were even new faces to entertain.
One such face was tailing Takeo. Unfortunately for 'Christine', Rúa was more familiar with her than most. The number of times she'd crossed Lightning Street to bring the Purple Nurse a set of Orange-exclusive blind box merch was well into the tens. Still, it wasn't her business.
And, for a time, she let it go. She got a beer, she got a cute Dito alone in the bathroom to give her a good, hard ride, and she got another drink after. And, still, she could see Nails--Christine--following Takeo around like the impending consequences of a bad decision.
It wasn't her business.
But then the pair separated, and she felt a nagging sensation that she couldn't ignore. Maybe Bonnie was rubbing off on her. Maybe it was all the babysitting she'd had to do growing up. Either way, she wiped her mouth, slipped on her mask, and followed Nails outside.
"Hey," her voice crackled in the mask slightly with the first word, and smoothed out as she kept going. "You doing okay?"
-
Nails
Nails turns towards the modulated voice. By then, they've swiped their hair to one side, exposing the nape of their neck to the sparse summer breeze. Their eyes are bright, their lips turned up ever so slightly at the corners--the biggest smile they're willing to wear before a group of strangers. (Well. Hopefully not strangers for much longer.)
"Rúadhnait Coulter," Nails greets her acquaintance. Though she came out here to get a break from socialization, Nails isn't upset about the interruption. She likes Rúa well enough. The Square delivery woman always fulfills Nails’ fetch quests promptly and professionally.
Though Rúa does not know it yet, Nails will soon dispense with those blindbox jobs. She is about to find herself in a different income bracket, after all.
"I am well. Just warm," she continues, answering Rúa's question. "Are you enjoying the party?"
-
Rúa
Rúa didn't expect to be greeted with willing conversation.
"Not a lot of places to beat the heat in this part ofthe city, 'less you go down to the beach." Rúa doesn't settle too close along the railing, wanting to keep the peace and space.
Not one to spend too long dancing around the subject, she adds, "But plenty of places in Purple that get cold right now, right?" The question is pointed, but quiet, just between them. Other loiterers don't need to eavesdrop.
"What are you doing out here?"
-
Nails
At the mention of Purple, Nails' smile dims into a pensive look. It's hard to gauge the intention of Rúa's questioning when she keeps her expression so carefully hidden. Nails wonders if that's why she wears the mask.
Rúa's discretion is noted, though Nails thinks it's ultimately unnecessary. Surely she's not the first to recognize "Christine", out here openly cavorting with some of the RD's most notorious.
"...Perhaps. I've, never been much of a beachgoer, myself."
"I don't believe cramming oneself into an unventilated house full of dancing people is any way to beat the heat. Still, I was invited. And I wanted to come. So I shall suffer some minor discomfort, for the sake of good company."
-
Rúa
"Good company that can fuck up your life." Rúa's voice comes out flatter than intended, but her bluntness isn't meant to be mean.
"Squares get some leeway cause these are our neighbors, so long as we're not helping them do crimes," Rúa says patiently, like perhaps Nails just doesn't know what she's doing, "but you're hanging out with a Purple SOS."
Rúa pushes some carrot curls out of her own face. "Takeo's a fun time, but he's not risking everything like you are."
-
Nails
Nails’ heart pounds, loud. Blood roars through her ears.
Why does everyone–EVERYONE–in Nails’ life feel the need to lecture her about what they think is a good idea? Telling her things she already knows? Making assumptions and presenting them to her as fact?
Does she truly give the impression that she is a damsel in distress? Not, say, someone who once sought freedom so desperately, it drove her to murdering her own kin? She did that. Not Mani, not Wesper, not anyone who sees her as nothing but a clueless victim.
And is anyone pulling Takeo aside, warning him not to associate with her? She hardly doubts it. Nails knows what consequences she could face from their affair, whether she’s Majesty or Square. She has always known–Takeo, too. And yet, here Nails stands!
Granted, Rúa doesn’t know Nails’ faction allegiance has recently changed. But Nails suddenly finds herself in no hurry to share.
Do people think she hasn’t agonized over it, many a sleepless night? That she hasn’t weighed the pros and cons over and over, ultimately still choosing love, even when it’s illogical and dangerous? That Nails, who guards their heart from the world so fiercely, would choose to let Takeo of all people in? Do her peers think so little of her–so little of Takeo-- that they truly believe he’s been duping her all this time? (On her worst days, Nails believes that last one–but it’s more a reflection of her own insecurities than anything he has actually done.)
As Nails’ fury silently grows, she slowly, rhythmically, rolls out her wrist, in a looping figure-eight. Unable to meet Rúa's gaze, she keeps her face turned towards the horizon, expression carefully cool. Aside from her one twitching eyelid.
“...You think I don’t know all of that, Rúadhnait Coulter?” Her tone is cold as ice. “But since you appear to be so intimately familiar with my business… tell me. Why do you think I’m here, willing to “fuck up” my life?”
-
Rúa
"I don't know." Rúa shrugs. She expected Nails to be angry and is willing to bear it. She's dealt with anger enough in her life to weather it in most forms. "I know what it looks like. I know what people will assume it is if you don't tell them."
She waves a hand. "If you haven't given up Purple, your reasons won't matter and they'll slap you with a Dito label faster 'n you can keep up.
"And it's just Rúa, or Roo, if you want. Figure if I'm butting in on your life we can be a little friendly." There's a bit of a smile behind the mask, only visible in the way her eyes briefly wrinkle in the corners. "I'm used to people ending up in the RD a bit more spectacularly."
-
Nails
Aware of Rúa’s attempts to lighten the mood, Nails’ face ticks a fraction further away from that smizing gaze. Annoyed by what Nails believes are Rúa’s condescending, continued assumptions about her, she is baited into vocalizing the whirlwind of thoughts in her head. She glares out into the night, furious to prove she has already considered all this!
“We always knew that if we were caught, even once, it'd spell the end of things for me alone. I'd be branded a Bandito, and for what? Love?” Nails scoffs, indignant. “Absolutely not. If Green were to be my fate, let it be for doing something truly unethical–Medical malpractice. Money laundering. Serial murder. Cannibalism. Unethical taxidermy.”
A few ideas, off the top of their head–
“How would I maintain any shred of reputation amongst my fellow Banditos if my banishing crime was… love?!?!? No way.”
"But Takeo has been discreet! If he were as bad as people say he is, he could have humiliated me at any point during all this. But he… he cares about me.
“It just so happens, coincidentally, on this night where he and I can be together, openly…I have already ”given up Purple.”
“And I didn't do that for Takeo, but. Something tells me people will continue thinking that, even if I do explain myself.”
-
Rúa
Rúa is being condescending, even if she doesn't realize it, because all these words filter into her perspective a bit like a tantrum. Nails's declaration of what constitutes a crime worthy of respect comes off childish in its aggressive morbidity--cannibalism, really?
Rúa would have been more impressed if she had done it for love, with his grounded reasoning behind it. As a longtime resident of the "dumping ground" for the Factions' unwanted, taking a stand for Ditos as actual people is a worthy cause in her book. If Nails hadn't included a genuine defense of Takeo under all that, she might have fallen quite a bit lower in Rúa's estimation.
"Okay. So. You've already cut ties, then? Paperwork filled out, FM knows, syou got a place to stay, all your shit moved in?" That's the important bit, right now. Well, there's a lot of important bits, but survival in the RD is first tier concern. "You had friends willing to kill for you on a live stream just a bit ago, and they're all cool with this? Nobody's about to hunt you down and call you traitor? Nobody's going to retroactively decide that you choosing Grey isn't good enough to get away with it and slap you with Green, anyway, for all this?"
-
Nails
You had friends willing to kill for you on a live stream just a bit ago, and they’re all cool with this?
At Rúa’s casual mention of her worst moment, Nails reels back. Their face turns a peevish red, and their throat becomes thick with some large, indignant emotion. She holds all the dignity of someone who's trying not to cry. It hurts, thinking that Rúa has known her past all this time, yet has only thought to mention it during this heated moment.
“Y-you… how could you–!”
A few of the other porch-dwelling partygoers are now peering curiously in their direction, as Nails makes a scene. She’s struck with the memory of once getting so worked up, her mentor got up and walked away from her, in a display of public humiliation. Nails’ mouth clamps shut. They breathe in deeply, through their nose. They swallow thickly, once… twice.
“Forgive me… Rúa,” they say at last, voice much softer. They’ve wrangled their manner of speaking and body language back into overly formal. The colour in their face slowly cools away, in pinkish splotches. “I did not mean to get so defensive. Please understand–my relationship with Takeo has been a matter of scrutiny for the better part of this year. I understand that it comes from a place of care. But I can’t help but feel frustrated by their assumptions about Takeo, about me.
“Yes, all the appropriate paperwork has been filed. Yes, I have acquired an apartment in the RD, and am currently in the process of relocating my things.
“All of what you said may happen. If I am retroactively punished for my feelings, so be it. I will stand by my decisions, no matter the consequences.”
She finally looks in Rúa’s direction, expression beseeching. All this time, Nails has mistaken Rúa’s well-meaning questions as priggish, assuming the redhead’s advice is coming from a place of patronization.
“...Why do you care so much? Are you speaking from experience?” Nails tries to sound less defensive, more curious.
-
Rúa
Rúa is more surprised when Nails comes down from her visceral reaction than that it happens in the first place. It's pretty disturbing, the way she reels herself in.
"You don't gotta apologize to me." Rúa means it, frowning concealed behind her mask.
"I don't got much experience personally, cause I got dumped here as a kid 'long with my Dito mom. But nobody Faction really gets what it's like here if they don't live it." She knocks her knuckles on the banister and stands up straight, a habitual, meaningless movement.
"But people come out here and a lot of the time they don't get what they signed up for. It's good ya found an apartment with, I assume, electric and water. It ain't easy. 'Less you're in that new Purple built block." There's a twinge of irritation for that building in particular, but it passes. "And if you need help moving the rest of your stuff, we can use the motorcycle.
"And I care because that's what we gotta do here. Squares, anyway. Ditos don't always go in for that." Rúa's arms spread. "Means looking out for new folks. And looking out for any problems they might bring. For themselves and us caught on the edges.
"Sides. Takeo's my friend. I ain't trying to fuck things up for him. But I also know him. So, glad it's going well."
-
Nails
As Nails listens to the other woman’s response, she flicks something from her eye using the tip of her fingernail, and tries to pass the gesture off as scratching her nose. She is visibly relieved at the chance to listen and not be the sole centre of the conversation.
“Ah, so your parent was exiled…” That couldn’t have been easy. Perhaps Nails had been crass earlier, joking about cannibalism and the like. She mimics Rúa's posture, standing a little taller. "I see. I’d wondered why your one parent held a respectable position at St Summer’s, while you yourself did not live in Purple... well. It's not my business."
When Rúa mentions that new Purple built block, her voice twinged with irritation, Nails says nothing. Because that is exactly the neighbourhood she’s set her sights on; due to its proximity to Purple, mostly–but its shininess and newness appeal to her Purple sensibilities, too. She fears admitting this aloud will make her the target of more judgment, confirming Rúa’s complaint of ex-Factionites moving here for an “easier life.”
Nails also isn’t sure what to make of Rúa's offer to help. Historically, few people have done things for her out of the goodness of their hearts, let alone strangers. The cynical part of her wonders what Rúa wants in return for these “favours”.
“I… will try not to cause problems. My few friends in Majesty support my decision. Some of them even understand why I did it. The whole reason. So I needn’t fear retaliation from them… as far as I know.” Nails tries to sound confident, even though she’s guessing. She chooses to believe everything will be fine, based on the strong relationships she holds with her friends… and her hope that they are as kind as she believes them to be.
No sense explaining the whole Orion situation if Rúa already knows. “As for my surviving cousin, from the stream… A reason for my move is so that I may keep an eye on him. To keep him away from Majesty, and my new neighbours. He shall be my responsibility, alone.
“Other than that, I hope to spend my days as inconsequently as possible. Dr. Gadhavi has agreed to supervise the remainder of my residency at their clinic.” She laces her hands together.
“I... am also glad. And am grateful that Takeo has many wonderful friends here. Do I have you to thank for looking after him during his recovery?” A flicker of Nails’ earlier smile finally returns.
-
Rúa
Much like Nails doesn't comment on her new apartment, Rúa doesn't give the mention of her ex-step-mother more attention than a grimace behind her mask. No reason to talk about it unless Nails has an actual question, and likely they don't know each other well enough to get into all their various and complicated family ties.
The conversation about Takeo is easier, if not also a bit of a thorny subject.
"Takeo had a lot of people looking after him; I just helped him sleep." She waves off her involvement to segue into more helpful hints for the Brand New Square. "I guess you won't have as much to get used to, working in a clinic an' all, but most people who leave Factions and come here aren't ready to see people just bein' hurt and sick out in the open. Or lines for a Dr. Vendy, or promising an old woman your blood and cred for some medical care."
There's so much to pack into a primer for Nails and Rúa can already feel tired and a bit like too much like a busybody. Nails didn't ask for help, but most people don't know what help they need in the RD when they stroll, or are dumped, in.
"Well, whatever. You got questions about being a Square?"
-
Nails
When Rúa mentions helping Takeo with his sleep, Nails leans in, seemingly eager to know more. But Rúa moves on from the subject quickly, and Nails decides she doesn’t want to pry if it's a sore spot.
They nod along to Rúa’s assessment of medical aid conditions in the RD. They are familiar with the old woman in question, at least by reputation. The enigmatic Bandito Doctor… Nails can’t help but scowl a little, thinking about the amount of debt Takeo owes her.
Meanwhile, Nails’ motivation for pursuing a career in medicine is not exactly altruistic. But they’re not money-driven, either.
“For what it's worth: my services are free. Only once I’ve exhausted all other options would I ask for payment in cred, or blood.” She stands a little straighter. “I was doing outreach here, on behalf of the hospital. My presence was not well received, at the time. Perhaps now, I can earn their trust…” She shrugs, self-consciously. “A-at least, I hope so.”
With their knee-jerk defensive reaction to Rúa's “interview” is out of the way, Nails seriously considers her next question. Their gaze remains fixed on the balcony railing, thinking.
“...Where are some good places to eat?”
-
Rúa
There's a pause, and then Rua's laugh snaps out, surprised and short. "Well, not what I expected you to ask..."
She leans again, this time against the post to keep herself more upright, as she ponders their options.
"For good, reliable food, there's the Cat Cafe and a couple Vendies around, though the Vendies tend to shift around or get you ambushed, and they're weird. One only gives food in cans, including food that shouldn't be in cans. 'Least they're all pop tops." She tipped her head back to think. "The Luxe has got a fancy snack Vendy, and a buffet, but ya gotta pay at least a cover charge, and they get a little testy if you take up a booth without getting a drink or tipping dancers. There's a few places where people cook out of their homes, and there's a corndog cart. I don't recommend that one until your stomach's toughened up from eating out here.
"A couple convenience stores. Stock's variable but it's usually things like cup noodles. Everything else comes from the factions, and it's pricey." Her eyes dropped back to Nails, pinning her in place with information she probably already expected. "Don't think you can get into Orange just by calling yourself Gray. You're gonna have to be Square for a long, long time before they forgive or forget your FM days."
-
Nails
When Rúa begins listing options, Nails slides their phone out and starts tapping at the screen. They look up the referenced “dining establishments” in her Maps app, and pings them for later. The Cat Cafe, she is at least vaguely aware of; a cursory glance at the menu leaves her wishing there was more food variety… but at least the decor is cute. Plus, cats!!!
She instantly rejects the idea of dining out at a strip club - no. Just no. The corndog cart, on the other hand, intrigues her, and, ignoring Rúa’s warnings, she resolves to eat there soon. She hums, thoughtfully.
“Splendid. I have no qualms about sustaining myself on Vendy Bars, canned food, and cup ramen. How about… entertainment? Dance clubs, movie theatres, galleries and the like. What do you do for fun?”
At mention of Orange, their lip involuntarily curls, nose wrinkling. “............Why in Amy Lee’s name would I ever step foot into Orange?? Bleck.”
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Rúa
"What do we do for fun?" Rúa repeats the question like it's self-evident. "You're looking at it. There's a couple bars, the Luxe, and a skeezy gambling joint my ma works at if you're interested, but Squares don't got a lot of good venues. We do block parties, sometimes."
At Nails's obvious Purple distate shining through, Rúa let out a sigh, the rush of air distorted through her mask.
"I'd keep that to yourself, unless you're gonna follow it up with 'and I hate Purple, too.' Squares get really itchy about people who show more loyalty to one Faction or another. They'll wonder why you don't just lick boot over there, and figure you won't last long out here." She was aware it was a learning curve, and old habits died hard, but Rúadhnait was adamant about this. "If you start bein' a walking propaganda mouthpiece for one side or another, people won't trust you not to be tryin' to convert."
-
Nails
When she realizes she's been roped into another lecture, Nails throws her head back and groans.
“Groove, can you lighten up?” Nails says, for the first time in their life. Usually, they are on the receiving end of such a comment. “It's a party. Let us continue talk of Factions and bootlicking when I'm sober. And there is no way you want to spend your free evening giving me a--Square orientation.
“Tell me about these 'block parties'.”
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Rúa
Rúa could admit to herself that she was laying it on a bit thick, but not to Nails. She figured if she went to a new territory and got offered the inside scoop on how things worked, she'd be grateful.
Well, maybe.
But she relented with a scoff. If they wanted to squander some good advice, so be it.
"Block parties are when Squares get together. Goes out by word of mouth, usually has a goal. Swap around clothes, fix people's janky machines, trade gossip and news without electronic eyes on everything." Rúa wasn't entirely paranoid of the intranet, but it was easy enough to pretend to be whomever you wanted so long as you didn't piss off a hacker. "Closest thing we get to a venue with performances. People clear space an' Squares do performances.
"Ditos can come, too, but they gotta behave. And everybody gotta bring what they can to it, even if it's just skills or a good pair of hands."
-
Nails
Nails tries not to show it outwardly, but they feel somewhat smug about getting their way.
“Performances? Sounds fun. Having just cleaned out my closet, I have many clothes to donate. And I know basic sewing skills, to mend any donations–” She pantomimes stitching something up with a needle and thread. “--though I suspect that other doctor would be your first choice for such a task. And I'd rather not work with her. So…
Hmm... what other service could I provide…
“--ah! I could help set up, should you need three sets of helping hands.” Perhaps she could even master conjuring a third clone, by the time of the event. That might prove her capable, reliable, and trustworthy!
“...erm, that is, assuming I was invited. Will one happen soon?”
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Rúa
"Many hands, light work, an' all that. Plus that 'other doctor' charges literal blood for services, so don't think everyone's eager to go an' get her fancy stitching." Rúa can appreciate that Nails is at least eager to be of use. It'd ingratiate her faster to suspicious Squares, of which there will be many. Something that Rúa doesn't bring up, lest Nails pout again about being lectured.
"Yeah, anyone in the RD's invited so long as they pitch in and don't fuck the place up. Our more chill Ditos come around." The 'less chill' were keen to pick on Squares, but preferred to do so without the disadvantage of a united group. "We do 'em whenever it's important to. School's soon, so there will probably be at least one to get the kids' clothes exchanges done."
There was a time when Nails would have said parties were not her scene. But from her many nights dancing solo at the club, to the hustle and bustle of working at the hospital, Nails can now say she’s successfully trained out her aversion to crowds.
So, when Takeo invites her to a house party at the ‘dito sharehouse, she accepts. The thought of being in an intimate space, full of strangers and awkward small talk, admittedly fills her with some unease. (She may no longer fear crowds, but her people skills can still use a lot of work.) However–the promise of Takeo toting her around, introducing her to his friends as his partner, almost like he’s… proud not ashamed of her? That fills her frosty little heart with an ooey-gooey feeling, sappy and self-conscious, all at once.
She spends most of the night as Takeo’s shadow, glued to his side as she’s introduced to a whirlwind of people. Everyone is shouting to be heard over the loud music, but she manages to register a few names. She likes Marc, and Neeva. She dances for a few songs, too.
When the overstimulation inevitably hits, Nails pats Takeo on the arm to get his attention, and leans in to whisper-shout that she needs a break. Between his offered spots of refuse: Takeo's room or the back porch, Nails opts for the latter.
After donning her boots, she steps out onto the porch by herself, and lets the shoddy door rattle closed behind her. The door does little to quiet the music and voices bumping from inside–still, it creates a comfortable barrier between herself and where the action is.
There’s a few people lingering out here, sharing cigs and drinks. They don’t acknowledge her, so she shuffles over to an empty section by the railing to be alone. (edited)Sunday, December
Between the physical effect alcohol has on them, and their shyness from the attention they’ve received all night long, Nails doesn’t need a mirror to know their face is currently very flushed. They tilt their face towards the summer air, fanning their cheeks with their hands, trying to cool off the sweat on the back of their neck.
-
Rúa
Rúa was a regular guest around the Dito parties of the younger crowd. She kept away from the worst of them, but she considered them her neighbors and it was best to be on good terms. And, of course, it was fun. Sometimes there were even new faces to entertain.
One such face was tailing Takeo. Unfortunately for 'Christine', Rúa was more familiar with her than most. The number of times she'd crossed Lightning Street to bring the Purple Nurse a set of Orange-exclusive blind box merch was well into the tens. Still, it wasn't her business.
And, for a time, she let it go. She got a beer, she got a cute Dito alone in the bathroom to give her a good, hard ride, and she got another drink after. And, still, she could see Nails--Christine--following Takeo around like the impending consequences of a bad decision.
It wasn't her business.
But then the pair separated, and she felt a nagging sensation that she couldn't ignore. Maybe Bonnie was rubbing off on her. Maybe it was all the babysitting she'd had to do growing up. Either way, she wiped her mouth, slipped on her mask, and followed Nails outside.
"Hey," her voice crackled in the mask slightly with the first word, and smoothed out as she kept going. "You doing okay?"
-
Nails
Nails turns towards the modulated voice. By then, they've swiped their hair to one side, exposing the nape of their neck to the sparse summer breeze. Their eyes are bright, their lips turned up ever so slightly at the corners--the biggest smile they're willing to wear before a group of strangers. (Well. Hopefully not strangers for much longer.)
"Rúadhnait Coulter," Nails greets her acquaintance. Though she came out here to get a break from socialization, Nails isn't upset about the interruption. She likes Rúa well enough. The Square delivery woman always fulfills Nails’ fetch quests promptly and professionally.
Though Rúa does not know it yet, Nails will soon dispense with those blindbox jobs. She is about to find herself in a different income bracket, after all.
"I am well. Just warm," she continues, answering Rúa's question. "Are you enjoying the party?"
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Rúa
Rúa didn't expect to be greeted with willing conversation.
"Not a lot of places to beat the heat in this part ofthe city, 'less you go down to the beach." Rúa doesn't settle too close along the railing, wanting to keep the peace and space.
Not one to spend too long dancing around the subject, she adds, "But plenty of places in Purple that get cold right now, right?" The question is pointed, but quiet, just between them. Other loiterers don't need to eavesdrop.
"What are you doing out here?"
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Nails
At the mention of Purple, Nails' smile dims into a pensive look. It's hard to gauge the intention of Rúa's questioning when she keeps her expression so carefully hidden. Nails wonders if that's why she wears the mask.
Rúa's discretion is noted, though Nails thinks it's ultimately unnecessary. Surely she's not the first to recognize "Christine", out here openly cavorting with some of the RD's most notorious.
"...Perhaps. I've, never been much of a beachgoer, myself."
"I don't believe cramming oneself into an unventilated house full of dancing people is any way to beat the heat. Still, I was invited. And I wanted to come. So I shall suffer some minor discomfort, for the sake of good company."
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Rúa
"Good company that can fuck up your life." Rúa's voice comes out flatter than intended, but her bluntness isn't meant to be mean.
"Squares get some leeway cause these are our neighbors, so long as we're not helping them do crimes," Rúa says patiently, like perhaps Nails just doesn't know what she's doing, "but you're hanging out with a Purple SOS."
Rúa pushes some carrot curls out of her own face. "Takeo's a fun time, but he's not risking everything like you are."
-
Nails
Nails’ heart pounds, loud. Blood roars through her ears.
Why does everyone–EVERYONE–in Nails’ life feel the need to lecture her about what they think is a good idea? Telling her things she already knows? Making assumptions and presenting them to her as fact?
Does she truly give the impression that she is a damsel in distress? Not, say, someone who once sought freedom so desperately, it drove her to murdering her own kin? She did that. Not Mani, not Wesper, not anyone who sees her as nothing but a clueless victim.
And is anyone pulling Takeo aside, warning him not to associate with her? She hardly doubts it. Nails knows what consequences she could face from their affair, whether she’s Majesty or Square. She has always known–Takeo, too. And yet, here Nails stands!
Granted, Rúa doesn’t know Nails’ faction allegiance has recently changed. But Nails suddenly finds herself in no hurry to share.
Do people think she hasn’t agonized over it, many a sleepless night? That she hasn’t weighed the pros and cons over and over, ultimately still choosing love, even when it’s illogical and dangerous? That Nails, who guards their heart from the world so fiercely, would choose to let Takeo of all people in? Do her peers think so little of her–so little of Takeo-- that they truly believe he’s been duping her all this time? (On her worst days, Nails believes that last one–but it’s more a reflection of her own insecurities than anything he has actually done.)
As Nails’ fury silently grows, she slowly, rhythmically, rolls out her wrist, in a looping figure-eight. Unable to meet Rúa's gaze, she keeps her face turned towards the horizon, expression carefully cool. Aside from her one twitching eyelid.
“...You think I don’t know all of that, Rúadhnait Coulter?” Her tone is cold as ice. “But since you appear to be so intimately familiar with my business… tell me. Why do you think I’m here, willing to “fuck up” my life?”
-
Rúa
"I don't know." Rúa shrugs. She expected Nails to be angry and is willing to bear it. She's dealt with anger enough in her life to weather it in most forms. "I know what it looks like. I know what people will assume it is if you don't tell them."
She waves a hand. "If you haven't given up Purple, your reasons won't matter and they'll slap you with a Dito label faster 'n you can keep up.
"And it's just Rúa, or Roo, if you want. Figure if I'm butting in on your life we can be a little friendly." There's a bit of a smile behind the mask, only visible in the way her eyes briefly wrinkle in the corners. "I'm used to people ending up in the RD a bit more spectacularly."
-
Nails
Aware of Rúa’s attempts to lighten the mood, Nails’ face ticks a fraction further away from that smizing gaze. Annoyed by what Nails believes are Rúa’s condescending, continued assumptions about her, she is baited into vocalizing the whirlwind of thoughts in her head. She glares out into the night, furious to prove she has already considered all this!
“We always knew that if we were caught, even once, it'd spell the end of things for me alone. I'd be branded a Bandito, and for what? Love?” Nails scoffs, indignant. “Absolutely not. If Green were to be my fate, let it be for doing something truly unethical–Medical malpractice. Money laundering. Serial murder. Cannibalism. Unethical taxidermy.”
A few ideas, off the top of their head–
“How would I maintain any shred of reputation amongst my fellow Banditos if my banishing crime was… love?!?!? No way.”
"But Takeo has been discreet! If he were as bad as people say he is, he could have humiliated me at any point during all this. But he… he cares about me.
“It just so happens, coincidentally, on this night where he and I can be together, openly…I have already ”given up Purple.”
“And I didn't do that for Takeo, but. Something tells me people will continue thinking that, even if I do explain myself.”
-
Rúa
Rúa is being condescending, even if she doesn't realize it, because all these words filter into her perspective a bit like a tantrum. Nails's declaration of what constitutes a crime worthy of respect comes off childish in its aggressive morbidity--cannibalism, really?
Rúa would have been more impressed if she had done it for love, with his grounded reasoning behind it. As a longtime resident of the "dumping ground" for the Factions' unwanted, taking a stand for Ditos as actual people is a worthy cause in her book. If Nails hadn't included a genuine defense of Takeo under all that, she might have fallen quite a bit lower in Rúa's estimation.
"Okay. So. You've already cut ties, then? Paperwork filled out, FM knows, syou got a place to stay, all your shit moved in?" That's the important bit, right now. Well, there's a lot of important bits, but survival in the RD is first tier concern. "You had friends willing to kill for you on a live stream just a bit ago, and they're all cool with this? Nobody's about to hunt you down and call you traitor? Nobody's going to retroactively decide that you choosing Grey isn't good enough to get away with it and slap you with Green, anyway, for all this?"
-
Nails
You had friends willing to kill for you on a live stream just a bit ago, and they’re all cool with this?
At Rúa’s casual mention of her worst moment, Nails reels back. Their face turns a peevish red, and their throat becomes thick with some large, indignant emotion. She holds all the dignity of someone who's trying not to cry. It hurts, thinking that Rúa has known her past all this time, yet has only thought to mention it during this heated moment.
“Y-you… how could you–!”
A few of the other porch-dwelling partygoers are now peering curiously in their direction, as Nails makes a scene. She’s struck with the memory of once getting so worked up, her mentor got up and walked away from her, in a display of public humiliation. Nails’ mouth clamps shut. They breathe in deeply, through their nose. They swallow thickly, once… twice.
“Forgive me… Rúa,” they say at last, voice much softer. They’ve wrangled their manner of speaking and body language back into overly formal. The colour in their face slowly cools away, in pinkish splotches. “I did not mean to get so defensive. Please understand–my relationship with Takeo has been a matter of scrutiny for the better part of this year. I understand that it comes from a place of care. But I can’t help but feel frustrated by their assumptions about Takeo, about me.
“Yes, all the appropriate paperwork has been filed. Yes, I have acquired an apartment in the RD, and am currently in the process of relocating my things.
“All of what you said may happen. If I am retroactively punished for my feelings, so be it. I will stand by my decisions, no matter the consequences.”
She finally looks in Rúa’s direction, expression beseeching. All this time, Nails has mistaken Rúa’s well-meaning questions as priggish, assuming the redhead’s advice is coming from a place of patronization.
“...Why do you care so much? Are you speaking from experience?” Nails tries to sound less defensive, more curious.
-
Rúa
Rúa is more surprised when Nails comes down from her visceral reaction than that it happens in the first place. It's pretty disturbing, the way she reels herself in.
"You don't gotta apologize to me." Rúa means it, frowning concealed behind her mask.
"I don't got much experience personally, cause I got dumped here as a kid 'long with my Dito mom. But nobody Faction really gets what it's like here if they don't live it." She knocks her knuckles on the banister and stands up straight, a habitual, meaningless movement.
"But people come out here and a lot of the time they don't get what they signed up for. It's good ya found an apartment with, I assume, electric and water. It ain't easy. 'Less you're in that new Purple built block." There's a twinge of irritation for that building in particular, but it passes. "And if you need help moving the rest of your stuff, we can use the motorcycle.
"And I care because that's what we gotta do here. Squares, anyway. Ditos don't always go in for that." Rúa's arms spread. "Means looking out for new folks. And looking out for any problems they might bring. For themselves and us caught on the edges.
"Sides. Takeo's my friend. I ain't trying to fuck things up for him. But I also know him. So, glad it's going well."
-
Nails
As Nails listens to the other woman’s response, she flicks something from her eye using the tip of her fingernail, and tries to pass the gesture off as scratching her nose. She is visibly relieved at the chance to listen and not be the sole centre of the conversation.
“Ah, so your parent was exiled…” That couldn’t have been easy. Perhaps Nails had been crass earlier, joking about cannibalism and the like. She mimics Rúa's posture, standing a little taller. "I see. I’d wondered why your one parent held a respectable position at St Summer’s, while you yourself did not live in Purple... well. It's not my business."
When Rúa mentions that new Purple built block, her voice twinged with irritation, Nails says nothing. Because that is exactly the neighbourhood she’s set her sights on; due to its proximity to Purple, mostly–but its shininess and newness appeal to her Purple sensibilities, too. She fears admitting this aloud will make her the target of more judgment, confirming Rúa’s complaint of ex-Factionites moving here for an “easier life.”
Nails also isn’t sure what to make of Rúa's offer to help. Historically, few people have done things for her out of the goodness of their hearts, let alone strangers. The cynical part of her wonders what Rúa wants in return for these “favours”.
“I… will try not to cause problems. My few friends in Majesty support my decision. Some of them even understand why I did it. The whole reason. So I needn’t fear retaliation from them… as far as I know.” Nails tries to sound confident, even though she’s guessing. She chooses to believe everything will be fine, based on the strong relationships she holds with her friends… and her hope that they are as kind as she believes them to be.
No sense explaining the whole Orion situation if Rúa already knows. “As for my surviving cousin, from the stream… A reason for my move is so that I may keep an eye on him. To keep him away from Majesty, and my new neighbours. He shall be my responsibility, alone.
“Other than that, I hope to spend my days as inconsequently as possible. Dr. Gadhavi has agreed to supervise the remainder of my residency at their clinic.” She laces her hands together.
“I... am also glad. And am grateful that Takeo has many wonderful friends here. Do I have you to thank for looking after him during his recovery?” A flicker of Nails’ earlier smile finally returns.
-
Rúa
Much like Nails doesn't comment on her new apartment, Rúa doesn't give the mention of her ex-step-mother more attention than a grimace behind her mask. No reason to talk about it unless Nails has an actual question, and likely they don't know each other well enough to get into all their various and complicated family ties.
The conversation about Takeo is easier, if not also a bit of a thorny subject.
"Takeo had a lot of people looking after him; I just helped him sleep." She waves off her involvement to segue into more helpful hints for the Brand New Square. "I guess you won't have as much to get used to, working in a clinic an' all, but most people who leave Factions and come here aren't ready to see people just bein' hurt and sick out in the open. Or lines for a Dr. Vendy, or promising an old woman your blood and cred for some medical care."
There's so much to pack into a primer for Nails and Rúa can already feel tired and a bit like too much like a busybody. Nails didn't ask for help, but most people don't know what help they need in the RD when they stroll, or are dumped, in.
"Well, whatever. You got questions about being a Square?"
-
Nails
When Rúa mentions helping Takeo with his sleep, Nails leans in, seemingly eager to know more. But Rúa moves on from the subject quickly, and Nails decides she doesn’t want to pry if it's a sore spot.
They nod along to Rúa’s assessment of medical aid conditions in the RD. They are familiar with the old woman in question, at least by reputation. The enigmatic Bandito Doctor… Nails can’t help but scowl a little, thinking about the amount of debt Takeo owes her.
Meanwhile, Nails’ motivation for pursuing a career in medicine is not exactly altruistic. But they’re not money-driven, either.
“For what it's worth: my services are free. Only once I’ve exhausted all other options would I ask for payment in cred, or blood.” She stands a little straighter. “I was doing outreach here, on behalf of the hospital. My presence was not well received, at the time. Perhaps now, I can earn their trust…” She shrugs, self-consciously. “A-at least, I hope so.”
With their knee-jerk defensive reaction to Rúa's “interview” is out of the way, Nails seriously considers her next question. Their gaze remains fixed on the balcony railing, thinking.
“...Where are some good places to eat?”
-
Rúa
There's a pause, and then Rua's laugh snaps out, surprised and short. "Well, not what I expected you to ask..."
She leans again, this time against the post to keep herself more upright, as she ponders their options.
"For good, reliable food, there's the Cat Cafe and a couple Vendies around, though the Vendies tend to shift around or get you ambushed, and they're weird. One only gives food in cans, including food that shouldn't be in cans. 'Least they're all pop tops." She tipped her head back to think. "The Luxe has got a fancy snack Vendy, and a buffet, but ya gotta pay at least a cover charge, and they get a little testy if you take up a booth without getting a drink or tipping dancers. There's a few places where people cook out of their homes, and there's a corndog cart. I don't recommend that one until your stomach's toughened up from eating out here.
"A couple convenience stores. Stock's variable but it's usually things like cup noodles. Everything else comes from the factions, and it's pricey." Her eyes dropped back to Nails, pinning her in place with information she probably already expected. "Don't think you can get into Orange just by calling yourself Gray. You're gonna have to be Square for a long, long time before they forgive or forget your FM days."
-
Nails
When Rúa begins listing options, Nails slides their phone out and starts tapping at the screen. They look up the referenced “dining establishments” in her Maps app, and pings them for later. The Cat Cafe, she is at least vaguely aware of; a cursory glance at the menu leaves her wishing there was more food variety… but at least the decor is cute. Plus, cats!!!
She instantly rejects the idea of dining out at a strip club - no. Just no. The corndog cart, on the other hand, intrigues her, and, ignoring Rúa’s warnings, she resolves to eat there soon. She hums, thoughtfully.
“Splendid. I have no qualms about sustaining myself on Vendy Bars, canned food, and cup ramen. How about… entertainment? Dance clubs, movie theatres, galleries and the like. What do you do for fun?”
At mention of Orange, their lip involuntarily curls, nose wrinkling. “............Why in Amy Lee’s name would I ever step foot into Orange?? Bleck.”
-
Rúa
"What do we do for fun?" Rúa repeats the question like it's self-evident. "You're looking at it. There's a couple bars, the Luxe, and a skeezy gambling joint my ma works at if you're interested, but Squares don't got a lot of good venues. We do block parties, sometimes."
At Nails's obvious Purple distate shining through, Rúa let out a sigh, the rush of air distorted through her mask.
"I'd keep that to yourself, unless you're gonna follow it up with 'and I hate Purple, too.' Squares get really itchy about people who show more loyalty to one Faction or another. They'll wonder why you don't just lick boot over there, and figure you won't last long out here." She was aware it was a learning curve, and old habits died hard, but Rúadhnait was adamant about this. "If you start bein' a walking propaganda mouthpiece for one side or another, people won't trust you not to be tryin' to convert."
-
Nails
When she realizes she's been roped into another lecture, Nails throws her head back and groans.
“Groove, can you lighten up?” Nails says, for the first time in their life. Usually, they are on the receiving end of such a comment. “It's a party. Let us continue talk of Factions and bootlicking when I'm sober. And there is no way you want to spend your free evening giving me a--Square orientation.
“Tell me about these 'block parties'.”
-
Rúa
Rúa could admit to herself that she was laying it on a bit thick, but not to Nails. She figured if she went to a new territory and got offered the inside scoop on how things worked, she'd be grateful.
Well, maybe.
But she relented with a scoff. If they wanted to squander some good advice, so be it.
"Block parties are when Squares get together. Goes out by word of mouth, usually has a goal. Swap around clothes, fix people's janky machines, trade gossip and news without electronic eyes on everything." Rúa wasn't entirely paranoid of the intranet, but it was easy enough to pretend to be whomever you wanted so long as you didn't piss off a hacker. "Closest thing we get to a venue with performances. People clear space an' Squares do performances.
"Ditos can come, too, but they gotta behave. And everybody gotta bring what they can to it, even if it's just skills or a good pair of hands."
-
Nails
Nails tries not to show it outwardly, but they feel somewhat smug about getting their way.
“Performances? Sounds fun. Having just cleaned out my closet, I have many clothes to donate. And I know basic sewing skills, to mend any donations–” She pantomimes stitching something up with a needle and thread. “--though I suspect that other doctor would be your first choice for such a task. And I'd rather not work with her. So…
Hmm... what other service could I provide…
“--ah! I could help set up, should you need three sets of helping hands.” Perhaps she could even master conjuring a third clone, by the time of the event. That might prove her capable, reliable, and trustworthy!
“...erm, that is, assuming I was invited. Will one happen soon?”
-
Rúa
"Many hands, light work, an' all that. Plus that 'other doctor' charges literal blood for services, so don't think everyone's eager to go an' get her fancy stitching." Rúa can appreciate that Nails is at least eager to be of use. It'd ingratiate her faster to suspicious Squares, of which there will be many. Something that Rúa doesn't bring up, lest Nails pout again about being lectured.
"Yeah, anyone in the RD's invited so long as they pitch in and don't fuck the place up. Our more chill Ditos come around." The 'less chill' were keen to pick on Squares, but preferred to do so without the disadvantage of a united group. "We do 'em whenever it's important to. School's soon, so there will probably be at least one to get the kids' clothes exchanges done."
"'More chill 'ditos'..." Nails parrots, curious. Growing up in Funk Mafia, her betters lumped all Roller Banditos into the same category, with little nuance for their characters. She had a better understanding now.
"Such as Neeva, and Marc, I'm supposing. Is there anyone else I can..." Trust was a strong word, so Nails floundered for an alternative. "...rely on, within reason?"
"And on that note, who do you recommend I steer clear of? Other than..." Nails' eyes narrow. "The bot."
"Such as Neeva, and Marc, I'm supposing. Is there anyone else I can..." Trust was a strong word, so Nails floundered for an alternative. "...rely on, within reason?"
"And on that note, who do you recommend I steer clear of? Other than..." Nails' eyes narrow. "The bot."
"The bot?" Rúa repeated in turn. "Oh, Wendy. If it gives you shit just let me know.
"But, far as Ditos go...Felicia's pretty relaxed. Most Ditos who got kicked out just for interfering with throwdowns aren't the worst lot, depending on how long they've been stuck out here. People do shit to survive, and it wears 'em down." Rúadhnait knew that most didn't have a lot of choices, and the bad ones they took often cut out the better parts of themselves. She could have very easily ended up that way.
"Takeo's probably better to ask 'n me. Well..." On second thought, that kid had thick rose colored glasses, and got off on being recklessly gregarious. "Alright, actually, Neeva and Felicia would know better."
"But, far as Ditos go...Felicia's pretty relaxed. Most Ditos who got kicked out just for interfering with throwdowns aren't the worst lot, depending on how long they've been stuck out here. People do shit to survive, and it wears 'em down." Rúadhnait knew that most didn't have a lot of choices, and the bad ones they took often cut out the better parts of themselves. She could have very easily ended up that way.
"Takeo's probably better to ask 'n me. Well..." On second thought, that kid had thick rose colored glasses, and got off on being recklessly gregarious. "Alright, actually, Neeva and Felicia would know better."
“Of course,” Nails agreed, voice soft. Much like Rúa, if Nails’ situation had been slightly different, she very well could have been branded Green and given the boot. “I believe too many who were stripped of their status were failed by their Factions. They deserved rehabilitation: to be punished from within, by their own communities--not exiled. It’s cruel.
“And besides, it’s not ‘99 anymore. There is now a whole generation born into Grey, and many who’ve called it home for as many years. How is it fair to dump our–their worst criminals at their doorstep? It’s simply sweeping dust under the rug.”
It felt nice, to say her honest opinion aloud. In Purple, that point of view might have gotten her chastised. Though maybe Rúa disagreed, and she was in for another scolding. Nails blushed at the thought, and hurriedly added: “...but that is simply my opinion, for what little it’s worth.”
On the same train of thought as Rúa–that Takeo was not a reliable source of “who’s who” among the Roller Banditos–Nails shared a small, private smile with the masked Square.
“Given the company he keeps, I’m inclined to agree with you.” She huffed a laugh, both fond and weary. “...My Takeo. I love him, but he is blinded by optimism.”
“And besides, it’s not ‘99 anymore. There is now a whole generation born into Grey, and many who’ve called it home for as many years. How is it fair to dump our–their worst criminals at their doorstep? It’s simply sweeping dust under the rug.”
It felt nice, to say her honest opinion aloud. In Purple, that point of view might have gotten her chastised. Though maybe Rúa disagreed, and she was in for another scolding. Nails blushed at the thought, and hurriedly added: “...but that is simply my opinion, for what little it’s worth.”
On the same train of thought as Rúa–that Takeo was not a reliable source of “who’s who” among the Roller Banditos–Nails shared a small, private smile with the masked Square.
“Given the company he keeps, I’m inclined to agree with you.” She huffed a laugh, both fond and weary. “...My Takeo. I love him, but he is blinded by optimism.”
"Better to dump 'em here than a DbG, since that's all the Factions tend to resort to, but I don't disagree." Rúa had all sorts of ideas on what Factions could do with people rather than dumping them on the side of the road to starve, but it felt like it might become more 'preaching' to the touchy newbie Square, and left it there.
Nails's emphatic, if simple, love declaration wasn't what Rúa expected. Sure, their attachment was obvious, but many were cagey about their affections, and she'd already heard that Nails hadn't 'left for love.' That she was willing to mention it at all, full on 'love' instead of just 'be together' or 'cares for me,' meant it was probably, actually serious.
"So, you and Takeo are official-official. Full commitment or you going for a numbers opera situation?" She'd never known Takeo to have the kind of attention span for just one person. Her incredulity was difficult to mask.
Nails's emphatic, if simple, love declaration wasn't what Rúa expected. Sure, their attachment was obvious, but many were cagey about their affections, and she'd already heard that Nails hadn't 'left for love.' That she was willing to mention it at all, full on 'love' instead of just 'be together' or 'cares for me,' meant it was probably, actually serious.
"So, you and Takeo are official-official. Full commitment or you going for a numbers opera situation?" She'd never known Takeo to have the kind of attention span for just one person. Her incredulity was difficult to mask.
"Of course it's real. If we had just been playing around, that spark would have died out months ago. I wouldn't stick my neck out for less." She narrows her eyes at Rúa, trying to read into that last question. Genuine curiosity, or making a move? "...Party of two, not accepting new members at this time. Why is that so surprising?"
"'Cause, as far as I know, Takeo hasn't done that before." Rúa leans in close, though the only sign that she's smiling are the way laugh lines push up next to her eyes. This close, Nails might see the other woman has dark smudges under her eyes, the blues somehow brightened by the shadows.
"Can't help but be a bit jealous. You're real cute."
"Can't help but be a bit jealous. You're real cute."
Well, Rúa's incredulity isn't entirely unfounded. Until Takeo had proven her wrong, Nails had also had doubts about the longevity of his attachment to her. Though the doubts had largely been rooted in her own insecurities, not as a reflection of the way he treated her. She believes in the truth, now.
To Nails' credit, she does not flinch away when the redhead leans in. Getting hit on by hot people used to send her into a tizzy, wondering what their true intentions with a disgusting worm like her were. And while being the recipient of flirtations is still embarrassing, Nails at least now has the confidence to agree that yes, she is cute, thank you very much.
Scowling, she meets those blue eyes with her own. In the dark, the irises look black. But if Nails stepped into the light, or got even closer, Rúa might see the cognac brown that rimmed her pupils.
"Hmph. W-well... get in line." Her cheeks were pink. Nails broke eye contact first, ducking their chin slightly to create some space.
"You often flirt with your friends' girlfriends?"
To Nails' credit, she does not flinch away when the redhead leans in. Getting hit on by hot people used to send her into a tizzy, wondering what their true intentions with a disgusting worm like her were. And while being the recipient of flirtations is still embarrassing, Nails at least now has the confidence to agree that yes, she is cute, thank you very much.
Scowling, she meets those blue eyes with her own. In the dark, the irises look black. But if Nails stepped into the light, or got even closer, Rúa might see the cognac brown that rimmed her pupils.
"Hmph. W-well... get in line." Her cheeks were pink. Nails broke eye contact first, ducking their chin slightly to create some space.
"You often flirt with your friends' girlfriends?"
"Yeah," Rúa admitted casually, leaning back to give Nails more space. Her voice was just a bit smug.
"Yeah, I do. You want me to stop?" The question was honest, but couched in laughter. "Might be real funny, to see what Takeo does."
"Yeah, I do. You want me to stop?" The question was honest, but couched in laughter. "Might be real funny, to see what Takeo does."
Nails' little embarrassed scowl deepens, their face growing hotter at Rúa's shameless declaration.
"You can flatter me however you like. Just don't expect me to reciprocate," they say, with a furtive glance in Rúa's direction. (Ugh, they're not good at this. The banter.) ".......and I can assure you he wouldn't notice, or care."
"Wh-What's funny about it?" she tries to sound indignant. But mostly, she is relieved that things feel less tense between them than the start of their encounter.
"You can flatter me however you like. Just don't expect me to reciprocate," they say, with a furtive glance in Rúa's direction. (Ugh, they're not good at this. The banter.) ".......and I can assure you he wouldn't notice, or care."
"Wh-What's funny about it?" she tries to sound indignant. But mostly, she is relieved that things feel less tense between them than the start of their encounter.
"I think he'll care. Might hit me with a skateboard." Rúa isn't sure if it's true, but it's close enough to things Takeo could do that it's not a mean-spirited prediction. "The whole thing's just a bit funny. Not making fun of you, just enjoying the moment. Weird how things turn out."
Moderators: AJ_89 Steven (played by Robo-Craig) QnQ Hide Miyagawa (played by Monoclejack)
