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Things are getting worse?

[ He pauses for a second to look at Aerith with wide eyes. When his thought passes, he smiles again, and goes back to mixing tea. ]

I thought it was rather relaxing, if anything... How were things like before this?

So this is pretty calm for you, huh?

[ That would track with that dream they met in. ]

Pretty peaceful. No palaces or anything like that, that’s for sure. [ A pause. ] No shadows either.

[ He'll just nod in acknowledgement to that question. He does remember telling Aerith he'd tell her a bit more about what was going on with the coronation and stuff... Whew. Maybe they'll touch on that later.

Either way, for now, he splits his attention between the tea and the conversation. ]

Really? None of that? [ He'll sniff the mixture... Mm! ] Everyone was brought here and then simply...led regular lives?

[ In a futuristic city. But still. ]

For a little while, yeah. If you count fighting in the Nekyia every so often to be normal.

[ She smiles, just a bit. ]

We’ve had a few things happen, though. A few people have died.

[ Which might give Rutile a bit of context when it comes to the overall… atmosphere. ]

[ —hello?

Rutile is just about get the kettle, nearing its boil, when what Aerith says stops him in his tracks once again. His hand freezes in midair and he looks at her, eyes wide with shock. ]

...Died?

[ HELLO??? ]

Yep. My old roommate, Ushirono, and then someone else in our group, Jordi. They both died because of the God of Conflict messing with us, but I know for sure that Jordi died in his own palace.

[ She could go into how Argenti was the one that killed Fuyu, but that's Argenti's story to tell. Still, the situation came up at all as a result of meddling by their favorite god, so she's still firm in the belief it wouldn't have happened otherwise. ]

I think those two things really made everyone realize just how serious all of this is.

[ Ah, Rutile is so shocked by the reveal that he doesn't get to the kettle to turn it off before it reaches a boil. Ah... They'll have to wait for the water to cool now, oh well.

For a moment, the sound of bubbling water is all that fills the room. Rutile's eyes drop, as does his hand. ]

I'm...I'm so sorry.

[ Her roommate? And someone else? People are genuinely losing their lives here, far away from home?

He turns around towards her and slowly stands. Hesitantly, he holds out both hands. ]

I know it's a little belated, but...do you need a hug?

I'll be fine, but... I think you could use one too.

[ If the water still at a rolling boil in the background can serve as a metaphor for Rutile's feelings, she thinks she's jumping to the right conclusion here.

So she won't be taking his hands. No, she'll be going right for a hug, wrapping her arms around his middle and resting her head against his shoulder. It's a warm, comforting sort of hug, tight enough to try and squeeze out some of his worries. ]

[ This is a 10/10 hug... And probably something Rutile really needed. He sighs, squeezing Aerith back. There's a faint sense of exhaustion in his heart—being away from home kind of sucks, but the warmth is like a bandage. He's glad he's making friends, regardless.

When it's the right time to pull back, Rutile does, but he still keeps a hold on Aerith. He offers her a small smile. ]

How have you managed so far?

[ You know. With the deaths. ]

I'm not gonna lie and say it's been easy, but I've been okay.

[ Some days have been more difficult than others, and she knows she hasn't experienced the brunt of the trauma that others have.

There's something to be said about making connections, too, because she's been able to get comfort from the friends she's made here. ]

I think, when all is said and done, all of us that are still here will be okay... even if we have to make some hard decisions.

[ What would those decisions be? She doesn't know, but she's certain that they'll have to be made nevertheless. ]

[ Oh, good. There's a little relief at that, and Rutile offers Aerith a small, but firm nod. So long as she's been okay.

Relief morphs into a small, confident smile. ]

I think so, too. Everyone here is a lot stronger and a lot closer than I expected. I know we can do this.

[ Anyway. Rutile pulls Aerith into another big squeeze. ]

But I'm here if you ever need to talk, okay?

[ She laughs, caught by surprise by that squeeze, but it isn't like she minds. ]

I'll come knocking, then. [ With a smile, she pulls away. ] But that means you better do the same. Coming to a place faraway from home like this isn't easy.

It's not.

[ Rutile smiles back. ] Thank you, Aerith. I appreciate that.

[ Has the water cooled by now? Rutile will scuttle back to his spot and pour the water into the pot. As he's inspecting it— ]

So, anything else interesting happen? Something a little less drastic than death.

[ Aerith watches him inspect the water, nodding ferociously at his question. Now this is a much better topic. ]

There's been lots of hook-ups. Just look around and you'll see who's gotten together. They're all pretty obvious about it.

Hook-ups?

[ The water's probably fine enough not to burn the tea. As he sets the strainer in the pot his head whips around so fast. ]

Like... [ whispers, ] sex?

Probably. I'm sure there are a few around here that have. There's been lots of dating around too, I think.

[ Though she can't figure out the exact terms of these relationships, she can certainly sense Vibes. ]

[ ...It hasn't been that long but if people are here to form bonds, maybe that's kind of inevitable?

Tea is brewing. Rutile whirls around in his chair again to face Aerith. ]

I know about Eli and Celeste, and I know McGillis and Izou are interested in each other. Do you know about anyone else?

[ While the tea is brewing, other tea is being spilled... ]

I do! Fray and Argenti, our resident knights. It's pretty cute that the knights ended up together, don't you think?

[ It is truly a TEA PARTY... ]

Oh my goodness, the knights together? They must be absolutely brilliant together...

[ He means that almost literally because he feels star-struck thinking about it? He's been subject to knightl(e)y charm before, he can't imagine what it's like when they're put together...

He feels a little weird about gossiping about other people, it's such a Western thing to do. Rutile is curious...but he knows it's naughty behavior.

But! ]

Aerith. [ He leans forward a little... ] What about you? Do you have someone?

[ They sure are, and Aerith is about to talk about how cute they are when Rutile leans forward.

Well.

It takes her a moment as she battles her tendency to put up walls the moment she's asked anything personal. ]

Wow, going right for it, huh...? [ But this is all about bonding, isn't it? Might as well share. ] I do, actually. Her name's Maika. I don't know if you've seen her around, but you should try to get to know her.

[ Rutile lights up with joy! It's very clear he's glad that Aerith shared with him and didn't avoid the subject. ]

Oh my gosh, Aerith, that's wonderful! Wait, [ he puts a hand to his mouth, ] was she at the sleepover?

Of course she was.

[ As if Aerith would let her be anywhere else when a sleepover was going on! ]

She's the one who said she's never kissed a guy.

Yes! I remember. [ He claps. ] I drank to that one.

[ Said offhand, like he didn't really mean to say that out loud.

It's definitely been an appropriate amount of time for tea to brew, so Rutile takes the cups and begins to pour, the sweet and pungent scent of herbs filling the room. ]

You have to tell me how you met. Or—a cute story or two, if you don't mind sharing.

[ It smells nice, and reminds her of that night she and Maika grew a lot closer... the first time Aerith really allowed herself to open up to someone here.

Though, that's not a cute story. ]

We first met doing a photoshoot! We were helping a boutique advertise their summer clothes. She lifted me over her shoulder when I asked about a cool pose.

[ Rutile gasps a little bit, puts his hand on his chest. As one who is frequently manhandled by his moon-assigned husband, he gets it. ]

Really? That's such a lovely first meeting! Goodness, I'd probably fall for anyone who'd do that to me, too.

[ Doesn't put two and two together.

Hands Aerith her cup of tea! Careful, it's hot. ]

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