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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. ]

[ So that's what Rutile is into...

Aerith is careful to hold onto the mug, letting it cool a bit before holding it between both of her palms. ]

So that's your type, huh? Strong people?

[ Apparently that's hers too, judging by her own track record. ]

[ Rutile settles into his chair to get cozy and ask more about Aerith and Maika when the conversation is turned on him like this. Anyway, his skin is thin and pale enough that the blush on his cheeks is really obvious.

He lifts his cup. Not to drink from it, but to hide. ]

Oh, um... What gives you that idea?

Weeeell... everything about the way you're acting right now, for one.

[ He's so extremely obvious that just the mere motion of trying to hide his face is a tell all on its own. ]

Ehehe...

[ He looks at his tea before taking a little sip. Maybe he's obvious but at least he's not putting any pieces together to be self aware. ]

But I mean, isn't it cool? When someone's strong enough to do a roundhouse kick, or lift really big objects, or, you know, level...entire... [ It's as he's speaking he realizes the rest of his sentence is going to make him sound insane, because it's not something he truly condones, because he's much too concerned about the lives of the innocent people that live there, but the thought of that sheer amount of power is very impressive— ] ...cities...

[ Yeah, it does make him sound kind of insane, but at least that means he fits in here? Aerith gives him a wry smile. ]

Maybe not that last part, but I do see what you mean. I like seeing someone do really impressive things.

[ Though... probably not as much as Rutile likes to see it. ]

Mm-hmm!

[ He sips his tea again, and when he inhales the scent and closes his eyes, he realizes there's only one face that comes to mind when he thinks of herbal tea and feats of incredible power.

Ahem. ]

Gosh, I'm sorry, I got a little excited. [ ehe ] Can you pass me a slice of pie?

[ She will! Aerith reaches into one of the boxes she set on whatever surface was available, and pulls out a little slice of pie tucked into a little box of its own and passes it over. When Rutile opens it, he'll find that it's apple. ]

You have anyone special back home?

[ The excitement from him says he probably does, so naturally she's going to dig into that. ]

[ Ooh, apple pie! Rutile's face lights up a bit when he sees it and he's hit with the scent. Mmm... ]

Do I—?

[ He pauses, his heart skips. That same face flashes through his mind, and he gives a strained smile. ]

Oh, um... [ ...Is he special? ] I don't know.

Sorry, but you're kinda giving yourself away here. So, tell me about them.

[ That strained smile is just so obvious, Rutile. ]

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