imeeji_frontstage | (no subject)

There's a reputation at play there. You'll hear it if you haven't yet, and it's not unearned.

There were several transfers from my unit very recently, and the two that have been there longest are lamenting that the unit isn't so close anymore, but unfortunately they haven't tried to get to know me very much. If I had to guess, I sought out people from other units because I felt excluded.

And they didn't treat me very well in the game, either. I know everyone was pretty off, but even so. I'm willing to work on it, but I'm not willing to be -- ruthless. Even if it means losing.

I wouldn't call that 'not willing to be ruthless', truthfully. Not wanting to lose yourself to madness and violence, in your position, is perfectly understandable. That you were able to keep yourself from doing that is a personal victory.

[ She has to pause for just a second, because hearing him say that is so -- like a breath of air she hadn't known she was lacking. ]

It doesn't feel much like one, but I guess it was. Zhongli told me after that he was proud of me, which was... it meant a lot to me. [ She has struggled with Zhongli specifically because she felt that disappointing him was inevitable, so to hear that was meaningful beyond words. ]

I'm not sure how much they understand of it; I tried to explain during the game but it was the worst possible time. I'm trying to explain it better now. I didn't trust them enough to share that memory before the game, so it's not their fault for not knowing what I didn't share.

I can see how that would go badly. We had arguments on our team, and we were all more or less on the same page.

[Not even getting into the 'killing and eating one of their own' thing.]

I hope you're able to explain it, at least.

I'll make it work. I'm here to support them if I can, just not above anything and everything else.

Anyway, I'm sorry for going on a tangent. I'm supposed to be helping you feel better, not whining in your ear.

[ And there's the hotel now so comfort vibes are where it's at, tea and storms and pillows. ]

Not at all. If anything, I'm glad for the distraction from my own troubles for a moment.

[Tea will definitely improve things though.]

You're really too wonderful for words. [ She bumps his shoulder with hers as they move toward the elevator, subtle but extremely fond. ] I'd say you should work on that, but I think it's a hopeless condition.

You'll give me an ego at this rate. [Bumps her shoulder back.]

That's a risk I'm willing to take. [ He could use a higher self-esteem in her humble opinion ~~pot meet kettle~~ ]

[ And up to the ☆Zrael floor they go, and with her shiny new phone she opens the door. ]

The kitchen's just this way.

[Heading to the kitchen, and immediately zeroing in on the Tea.]

Ah, sencha green tea. A classic.

[ She watches for a moment, happy to see him happy. ]

I'll go set up the table in there, unless you want to sit on the pillows. You know the way in, yeah? [ It's not as though there are 40 rooms like at sIV and he's been there twice before.. ]

Yes, of course. And if I get lost I'll call for you.

[He is plenty forgetful, he might get lost.]

[ The prospect that he might get lost between one room and the next is somehow adorable ]

If it comes to it, I'll launch a rescue mission.

[ Into the rainy day room she goes, setting up the table and chairs in a nice spot and arranging a nest of pillows, he can have his choice. She's busy fluffing pillows because it's sort of fun. ]

[Hmm hmm hmm, preparing the tea. It's ready soon enough, and he steps into the room he's 99% sure is the right one.

...

Okay. Not that one, that's a theater. Second try?]

Second try isn't bad, I think.

[ somehow this is so charming ahhh ]

Not bad at all. Table or pillows?

Pillows, always. [Settles down to make himself comfortable, two cups of tea in hand.] Here you are.

[ That's her preference too. She tucks herself into the nest, close to him but not overly so. Drinking tea and cuddling are best done one after the other. ]

Thank you. Am I correct in thinking you'll be spending a lot of time in this room? [ He'll learn the way eventually, through sheer muscle memory if nothing else. ]

As long as I continue to be able to find you here.

[It's a lovely room, but it wouldn't be nearly the same without Aliza in it.]

You can find me anywhere you care to see me. I happen to be portable, and in that instance, highly motivated.

In that case, we can go wherever you like.

This is where I'd normally lean all over you for being adorable, but that's probably not advisable with hot tea in hand.

I'll take an IOU for cuddling later, not to worry.

I thought you might. Consider it redeemable whenever you're ready.

[ In the meantime ] Should I play something? I just cleaned the violin and bow so it does need a bit of tuning anyway.

I'd love to hear it. Something light, perhaps?

[Not that he... really remembers any songs to ask for in particular.]

I can manage that.

[ She tinkers with her phone for a second, looking for an orchestral accompaniment, then she stands up, draws a few quick notes and touches her tuning pegs to perfect the chord. She starts her phone to play the rest of the orchestra while she takes the solo, choosing a lovely piece that starts out quick and light and turns -- slower, but sweet and warm rather than wistful. ]

[ Her playing is technically perfect as it always is, but this is the first time she's felt anything other than odd about playing, and that makes it sound especially pleasing. When she's through, she tucks her violin back into its case and settles back down beside him, eager for his thoughts on her playing. ]