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[ Guess who's in!
The door opens a few moments later. Rutile stands there, and it takes a second for his mind to catch up with what he sees.
When it does, he beams! ]
Aerith! You're here!
[ He steps aside and gestures in. ]
Come inside! I've been looking forward to this!
The door opens a few moments later. Rutile stands there, and it takes a second for his mind to catch up with what he sees.
When it does, he beams! ]
Aerith! You're here!
[ He steps aside and gestures in. ]
Come inside! I've been looking forward to this!
I was hoping you were!
[ And with Rutile's general demeanor, she would have been shocked if he hadn't been looking forward to it.
Without further ado, she steps into Rutile's room, giving it a cursory glance around so she can set the box somewhere. ]
I got a few different kinds of treats. Some little cakes, a couple of slices of pie, a bunch of cookies... I tried to get a good sampling.
[ And with Rutile's general demeanor, she would have been shocked if he hadn't been looking forward to it.
Without further ado, she steps into Rutile's room, giving it a cursory glance around so she can set the box somewhere. ]
I got a few different kinds of treats. Some little cakes, a couple of slices of pie, a bunch of cookies... I tried to get a good sampling.
Gosh, you brought a whole feast!
[ Thrilling!
Rutile's bedroom isn't sparse, per se, though it isn't as full of things as one of someone who has been here longer. But it is tastefully decorated, in a minimalist way—houseplants sit here and there, making the room less empty; pictures, both in a bizarre abstract style and in a more realistic style, decorate the walls; and the fuzzy rug complements the bedding. It's cozy!
He also has an electric kettle and a teapot, which he quickly flicks on and begins messing with his teas. ]
What are you feeling today? I have herbal and fruit tea, some green tea, and some extra strength black tea if you really need a kick!
[ Thrilling!
Rutile's bedroom isn't sparse, per se, though it isn't as full of things as one of someone who has been here longer. But it is tastefully decorated, in a minimalist way—houseplants sit here and there, making the room less empty; pictures, both in a bizarre abstract style and in a more realistic style, decorate the walls; and the fuzzy rug complements the bedding. It's cozy!
He also has an electric kettle and a teapot, which he quickly flicks on and begins messing with his teas. ]
What are you feeling today? I have herbal and fruit tea, some green tea, and some extra strength black tea if you really need a kick!
[ She's glad to see that he's at least made some effort to make the place feel a little bit more like home, though it's still understandably missing some of the random items and collectibles the others have accumulated over their time here. ]
Hmmm... let's try something herbal. We need a contrast to balance out the sweets, right?
[ Who cares about what makes the best pairing here. Clearly what's important is what feels right. ]
Hmmm... let's try something herbal. We need a contrast to balance out the sweets, right?
[ Who cares about what makes the best pairing here. Clearly what's important is what feels right. ]
That's a wonderful idea!
[ Though usually reserved for a particularly sleepy individual at home, Rutile doesn't mind sharing a little taste of that. With a practiced hand, he begins mixing some of the teas together in a strainer. The room soon fills with little tink, tink noises. ]
How have you been since the sleepover? Recovered yet?
[ Though usually reserved for a particularly sleepy individual at home, Rutile doesn't mind sharing a little taste of that. With a practiced hand, he begins mixing some of the teas together in a strainer. The room soon fills with little tink, tink noises. ]
How have you been since the sleepover? Recovered yet?
[ Wherever Rutile is during the day, he'll hear something.
Can it be...the sound of a motor vehicle? Yes, it may be! But, it's also by a certain red-haired man who is speeding down the street, only to stop suddenly upon seeing Rutile.
Maybe even near the dorms. Unlike how he normally does, Argenti is wearing his racer's attire when he greets him. ]
Oh hello, Rutile! How are you doing today?
Can it be...the sound of a motor vehicle? Yes, it may be! But, it's also by a certain red-haired man who is speeding down the street, only to stop suddenly upon seeing Rutile.
Maybe even near the dorms. Unlike how he normally does, Argenti is wearing his racer's attire when he greets him. ]
Oh hello, Rutile! How are you doing today?
[ Aerith helps herself to whatever seat might be available, but if there isn’t one, she’ll make herself comfortable on Rutile’s bed. ]
Yep! I’m all rested and ready for anything else that might happen!
[ After all, things have a tendency to Happen here. ]
How’re you doing? Coming here right when everything is getting worse every day… can’t imagine what that’s like.
[ The rest of them had the benefit of a slower buildup. ]
Yep! I’m all rested and ready for anything else that might happen!
[ After all, things have a tendency to Happen here. ]
How’re you doing? Coming here right when everything is getting worse every day… can’t imagine what that’s like.
[ The rest of them had the benefit of a slower buildup. ]
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?
[ 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?
[ 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. ]
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. ]
[ 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??? ]
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??? ]
[ OH MY GOODNESS
Rutile's on his way back from doing some shopping, nearing the dorms when the sound catches his attention. He'll watch in wonder before he realizes it's Argenti, and once he does, he'll wave. ]
Argenti! Hello! I'm all right.
[ But he's not actually looking at Argenti. He's busy looking at the thing between his legs. ]
Is that...a motorcycle?
Rutile's on his way back from doing some shopping, nearing the dorms when the sound catches his attention. He'll watch in wonder before he realizes it's Argenti, and once he does, he'll wave. ]
Argenti! Hello! I'm all right.
[ But he's not actually looking at Argenti. He's busy looking at the thing between his legs. ]
Is that...a motorcycle?
[ Argenti will happily give Rutile an excited wave in return even though he already gave his verbal greeting... ]
It certainly is!
[ Spoken just as cheerfully. It's high-tech, but definitely a motorcycle. Look at this baby - perfect to taking a stroll anywhere one would go. He's getting into the habit of becoming amenace common sight in the streets with it. ]
I had no idea you would recognize it, given that not all worlds are familiar with such technology. But, I decided it was time to finally truly take it for a spin far more often.
Do you happen to have one of your own?
It certainly is!
[ Spoken just as cheerfully. It's high-tech, but definitely a motorcycle. Look at this baby - perfect to taking a stroll anywhere one would go. He's getting into the habit of becoming a
I had no idea you would recognize it, given that not all worlds are familiar with such technology. But, I decided it was time to finally truly take it for a spin far more often.
Do you happen to have one of your own?
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.
[ 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?
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?
[ Argenti speaks and Rutile actually...is a bit more distracted by the motorcycle itself to hear what he says. Still, he nods along. Yes. Spin. ]
Yes, I...picked one up because Mafuyu was giving one away. I didn't know what it was but I was so enamored by it. I had no idea it could go so fast...
[ NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL FATE™️
His gaze snaps up to Argenti and he leans in, hands folded in a plea, and his eyes are sharp and demanding. ]
Can you teach me how to use it?
Yes, I...picked one up because Mafuyu was giving one away. I didn't know what it was but I was so enamored by it. I had no idea it could go so fast...
[ NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL FATE™️
His gaze snaps up to Argenti and he leans in, hands folded in a plea, and his eyes are sharp and demanding. ]
Can you teach me how to use it?
[ Rutile can be forgiven for being heavily distracted by the motorcycle. It's the embodiment of Beauty! All those who lay eyes upon will be unable to take their eyes off such a beautiful and wonderous, but magnificent work of art!!
It is a vehicle truly blessed by Idrila.
...Anyway, silly nonsense aside - he looks right at Rutile, expression bright, and excited, sparkles popping up around him. ]
I do not blame you at all...
But, my new friend, do not fear. I shall gladly show you the way!
...So, where have you parked yours? Once I have an idea of what it looks like I can helpfully teach you how to use it, I am certain!
It is a vehicle truly blessed by Idrila.
...Anyway, silly nonsense aside - he looks right at Rutile, expression bright, and excited, sparkles popping up around him. ]
I do not blame you at all...
But, my new friend, do not fear. I shall gladly show you the way!
...So, where have you parked yours? Once I have an idea of what it looks like I can helpfully teach you how to use it, I am certain!
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. ]
[ 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. ]
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. ]
[ It is truly a ✨blessed vehicle✨.
Rutile's expression quickly brightens into a >:] when Argenti agrees to teach him, and he claps. And the clap is very loud. ]
You will?! [ YESSS ] It's parked near the dorms! Could you—could you take me the rest of the way there?
[ ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE??? ]
Rutile's expression quickly brightens into a >:] when Argenti agrees to teach him, and he claps. And the clap is very loud. ]
You will?! [ YESSS ] It's parked near the dorms! Could you—could you take me the rest of the way there?
[ ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE??? ]
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. ]
[ 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?
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?
[ He laughs a little; honestly, Argenti himself is the type of person to get excited easily when it comes to this. But he hadn't anticipated it'd be like a bit of a mirror here - and so his eyes crease a bit, twinkling at the suggestion.
This is going to be a fun way to bond! ]
Yes I can. Please, do get in.
[ There's enough room for two! Argenti will seat himself back at the helm, so to speak. ]
Tell me when you are ready! I shall go full speed ahead when you are.
This is going to be a fun way to bond! ]
Yes I can. Please, do get in.
[ There's enough room for two! Argenti will seat himself back at the helm, so to speak. ]
Tell me when you are ready! I shall go full speed ahead when you are.
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