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( KENOS ) COMMUNION.
come on, wake up. | you have to be careful. |
don't make mistakes. | you know how quickly kindness can turn into violence. |
MENTAL ATMOSPHERE
There is a layer of static that blankets any communion with Rudbeckia—an all-encompassing anxiety, so much that it often muffles any other feeling to be found in her. You have the strange sense of holding something small and frail in your hands: a bird, or a rabbit, carefully keeping itself still even as you can feel its panicked heartbeat thrumming throughout its entire body. At times, you hear your own voice reverberate, but it comes back colder, sharper than you meant it to be.
ASPECT: Stargazer
COMPATIBLE WITH: Exalt, Advocate
REPELLED BY: Iconoclast
ASPECT: Stargazer
COMPATIBLE WITH: Exalt, Advocate
REPELLED BY: Iconoclast
Edited 2023-09-28 00:39 (UTC)
[ Dimitri reaches out very tentatively and guarded. It's... hesitant, more than anything. A touch of sorrow. ]
May I speak to you? I'll understand if you would prefer not to.
May I speak to you? I'll understand if you would prefer not to.
[ her immediate reaction is to flinch from him – and then she seems to dig her heels in, keeping herself in place. the Communion space is frozen with fear, and yet Rudbeckia stands there, barefoot and ankle-deep in snow, shivering: not an act of defiance, but one of submission. ]
Of course, signore. I was hoping to speak with you, as well.
[ it is best to confess her sins at the beginning, rather than wait for the demand— ]
—I'm really, really sorry! I can't possibly apologise enough for my actions – I-I was weak and cowardly, and so I was easily influenced... I've committed a grave sin against you, and the others. It's my fault that Meridian lost the Oracle, so naturally I understand if you're angry with me... If there's any punishment that can make reparations for what I did, of course, I'll accept it!
Of course, signore. I was hoping to speak with you, as well.
[ it is best to confess her sins at the beginning, rather than wait for the demand— ]
—I'm really, really sorry! I can't possibly apologise enough for my actions – I-I was weak and cowardly, and so I was easily influenced... I've committed a grave sin against you, and the others. It's my fault that Meridian lost the Oracle, so naturally I understand if you're angry with me... If there's any punishment that can make reparations for what I did, of course, I'll accept it!
[ Oh. Perhaps not quite the reaction he expected, but maybe he should have. There's a response that comes with a sense of surprise - and guilt. The fear makes him flinch. Is that what he's become? ]
...that isn't what I wanted to discuss. I... wanted to offer my own apology. I was not in my right mind and... turning to murder is an extreme and heartless reaction.
[ He's genuine enough, at least. ]
I do not wish to punish you. Simply... apologize.
...that isn't what I wanted to discuss. I... wanted to offer my own apology. I was not in my right mind and... turning to murder is an extreme and heartless reaction.
[ He's genuine enough, at least. ]
I do not wish to punish you. Simply... apologize.
[ it isn't even close to the first time she's had to graciously "forgive" someone for something like this – though it's almost unheard of for her to actually receive an apology at all, in those situations – and so the words come easily to her, Ruby strangling her true feelings with her own hands before they can brush up against the Communion. all that remains is her usual air of anxiety and something soft, placid, docile. ]
I think it was incredibly difficult for all of us down there. And you were trying to protect your home.
[ As if any of that is my fault. ]
I was very afraid, of course, but... I don't blame you for what happened.
I think it was incredibly difficult for all of us down there. And you were trying to protect your home.
[ As if any of that is my fault. ]
I was very afraid, of course, but... I don't blame you for what happened.
Don't you?
[ He's... a little surprised by that. But it feels easy. There's a swirl of mild confusion. ]
If you had no wish to ever speak to me again, I'd understand completely.
[ He's... a little surprised by that. But it feels easy. There's a swirl of mild confusion. ]
If you had no wish to ever speak to me again, I'd understand completely.
[ if there is anything she could confidently say she's good at, it's playing dead. even in the face of someone's doubt or confusion, against all scrutiny, she can hold her position until either they are satisfied or they lose interest in her. it's not as if she can lose her footing so long as she stays on her knees. ]
No, I truly was in the wrong. It was my weakness that led to that situation. [ Just accept it already. I'm letting you off the hook. ] Besides, I remember you, signore, from the Masquerade. You were a kind person. I'm sure you wouldn't have done something like that if you were thinking clearly.
No, I truly was in the wrong. It was my weakness that led to that situation. [ Just accept it already. I'm letting you off the hook. ] Besides, I remember you, signore, from the Masquerade. You were a kind person. I'm sure you wouldn't have done something like that if you were thinking clearly.
I... don't think that's true. But... I won't argue the point with you.
[ He sighs. Or does it mentally, anyway. ]
Thank you for hearing me out. I won't bother you any further.
[ He sighs. Or does it mentally, anyway. ]
Thank you for hearing me out. I won't bother you any further.
[ — the point where Communion violently begins is born from the sense of intimate connection developed between two individuals.
It is very obviously a burning, bright thing from Set, whose mind scatters into the corners of those he has forged some sort of companionship with — for duty, for responsibility, for fun, for solemn vow. What arrives is the briefest sense of rising disorientation, woven through with a burst of wrath and grief so white-hot that it might char flesh from bone within seconds, shot through with rapture and the whiplash of love. It rises like a dying, murderous sun ( like Meridian ) — stifling and acute and suffocating — only to be tempered within seconds, by the cool, crisp wash of the dark sea ( like Zenith ), tempered and soothed with all edges laid flat once more.
The Communion plunges into quiet and calm, like a great, purring beast, and ends as abruptly as it began. ]
It is very obviously a burning, bright thing from Set, whose mind scatters into the corners of those he has forged some sort of companionship with — for duty, for responsibility, for fun, for solemn vow. What arrives is the briefest sense of rising disorientation, woven through with a burst of wrath and grief so white-hot that it might char flesh from bone within seconds, shot through with rapture and the whiplash of love. It rises like a dying, murderous sun ( like Meridian ) — stifling and acute and suffocating — only to be tempered within seconds, by the cool, crisp wash of the dark sea ( like Zenith ), tempered and soothed with all edges laid flat once more.
The Communion plunges into quiet and calm, like a great, purring beast, and ends as abruptly as it began. ]
?!
[ the wordless reaction this garners from Rudbeckia is akin to a startled animal – and it is very apparent that the only reason she doesn't figuratively bolt is because it's from Set. nothing about the feelings she receives seem as though they were intended for her, which means this was likely sent out through sheer reflex, an alarm sounding so loudly it echoes throughout Set's mind along the entwined threads of their Communion. ]
??????
[ her first response is simply a nudge, though she cannot smother the spike of anxiety, the way it hisses and screeches and seethes in the background noise of her existence. there is a thread of concern, too, thin but strong as steel; a fear of harm coming to Set, whether it is a feeling rooted in care or self-preservation. ]
Set, are you alright? You don't have to tell me anything, just, if you're okay...
[ the wordless reaction this garners from Rudbeckia is akin to a startled animal – and it is very apparent that the only reason she doesn't figuratively bolt is because it's from Set. nothing about the feelings she receives seem as though they were intended for her, which means this was likely sent out through sheer reflex, an alarm sounding so loudly it echoes throughout Set's mind along the entwined threads of their Communion. ]
??????
[ her first response is simply a nudge, though she cannot smother the spike of anxiety, the way it hisses and screeches and seethes in the background noise of her existence. there is a thread of concern, too, thin but strong as steel; a fear of harm coming to Set, whether it is a feeling rooted in care or self-preservation. ]
Set, are you alright? You don't have to tell me anything, just, if you're okay...
[ the furbies have set one another off i see ]
Ah.
[ It takes some time before Set is able to return to Ruby's mind and alight upon it. He carries with him the innate cool, crisp atmosphere of Zenith's night air, the faint scent of the Lady upon him — soothing Meridian's energetic poison, as if he's taken a dose of medicine to ward off the fever. With her, it is easy to follow the thread of her attentiveness back, as if slithering out of the labyrinth and into her cool embrace. ]
— we are uninjured, Ruby. Liem and I found something we sought, and. It was a lot to observe. I had so many questions and thoughts, all at once.
[ And like the desert sands, he had scattered to the vast corners of those he felt the greatest connection with, carried to them. ]
Ah.
[ It takes some time before Set is able to return to Ruby's mind and alight upon it. He carries with him the innate cool, crisp atmosphere of Zenith's night air, the faint scent of the Lady upon him — soothing Meridian's energetic poison, as if he's taken a dose of medicine to ward off the fever. With her, it is easy to follow the thread of her attentiveness back, as if slithering out of the labyrinth and into her cool embrace. ]
— we are uninjured, Ruby. Liem and I found something we sought, and. It was a lot to observe. I had so many questions and thoughts, all at once.
[ And like the desert sands, he had scattered to the vast corners of those he felt the greatest connection with, carried to them. ]
[ Ruby settles easily at his reassurance, cradling his presence against her in a gentle hold. ]
I see.
[ it isn't that she lacks interest in the details – her attention circles him like a cat winding around his ankles, but she does not dare elevate her curiosity into anything purposeful. Set knows, already, that she has been utterly robbed of her voice. this is a situation where she couldn't say anything even if she wanted to. she must not express a desire to know more, she must not be so impertinent. she mustn't ever ask questions. ]
I'm glad you're both safe... and I'm happy you found what you were looking for. [ no matter what that may actually be. if it's good for Set, then it's good for her. ] Do you need anything? I was going to head back to the Matrona's manor soon, but I'm still at the shrine now.
I see.
[ it isn't that she lacks interest in the details – her attention circles him like a cat winding around his ankles, but she does not dare elevate her curiosity into anything purposeful. Set knows, already, that she has been utterly robbed of her voice. this is a situation where she couldn't say anything even if she wanted to. she must not express a desire to know more, she must not be so impertinent. she mustn't ever ask questions. ]
I'm glad you're both safe... and I'm happy you found what you were looking for. [ no matter what that may actually be. if it's good for Set, then it's good for her. ] Do you need anything? I was going to head back to the Matrona's manor soon, but I'm still at the shrine now.
[ The Communion starts as things often do when Gen is involved -- roughly, abruptly, and unceremoniously. Ruby doesn't even get the basic courtesy of a warning. There's just the sensation of her attention being requested, like the sharp rap of knuckles at a door, followed immediately by the equivalent of the door being kicked down the instant she unlocks it. Gen barges in with all the good manners of a loan shark looking to collect what he's owed. ]
Where are you.
[ He's angry, she might note. Though -- not at her. That distinction is important. Gen's very presence across this psychic connection bristles with moody irritation and anxiety, but it seems to be aimless at the moment, merely coloring the air with an uneasy energy. Case in point: his manner of speaking is brusque and sharp, even moreso than usual, but there's no true vitriol or venom in his words.
Not that that caveat lessens how demanding he must come across when he deadpans, ]
You're gonna do me a favor. [ The way he just says this as a fact, instead of a request??? But whatever, she owes him one, anyway. Especially after her return to Meridian. Even if Gen can't exactly blame her for it, he still has no qualms about using that against her to extract some use out of her. ] Gonna give you something you gotta deliver for me. So where are you. I'm heading over.
Where are you.
[ He's angry, she might note. Though -- not at her. That distinction is important. Gen's very presence across this psychic connection bristles with moody irritation and anxiety, but it seems to be aimless at the moment, merely coloring the air with an uneasy energy. Case in point: his manner of speaking is brusque and sharp, even moreso than usual, but there's no true vitriol or venom in his words.
Not that that caveat lessens how demanding he must come across when he deadpans, ]
You're gonna do me a favor. [ The way he just says this as a fact, instead of a request??? But whatever, she owes him one, anyway. Especially after her return to Meridian. Even if Gen can't exactly blame her for it, he still has no qualms about using that against her to extract some use out of her. ] Gonna give you something you gotta deliver for me. So where are you. I'm heading over.
[ there is a moment, when the Communion first connects, where Gen feels something: a sudden spike of pain, full-body agony like every inch of him is being stabbed with white-hot needles, muscles wound so tense they could snap, head swimming with nausea—only for a split second, and then it is gone, so brief that his senses barely have time to register what happened. Ruby shoves those sensations down with both hands as though she could separate from her own body. ]
Ah, of course! [ her own mental landscape remains gentle in the presence of his sharp edges, unquestioning and accepting of Gen much in the way of a submissive dog bowing its head. ] I owe you a lot, after all.
[ Minegishi Gen is such a strange figure to her. it made sense to affix herself to him when she was part of Zenith's ranks; someone that might hurt her could still be someone that might protect her, after all, so long as she behaved herself well. now that she has returned to Meridian, it seems more absurd than ever to count on any mercy from Gen, which makes him a threat without any value to offset it, but... here she is, holding onto that thread anyway. pleasantly surprised to hear from him at all after they had parted ways.
though she does wish it hadn't been now, of all times. ugh, this wretched illness of hers. and just what is he so pissed off about, anyway... ]
I'll meet you, um... Here? [ she shows him an image of a café in Springstar, with a broad enough view to put it in the context of its surroundings. ] —Or I could come to Highstorm, if you'd prefer?
Ah, of course! [ her own mental landscape remains gentle in the presence of his sharp edges, unquestioning and accepting of Gen much in the way of a submissive dog bowing its head. ] I owe you a lot, after all.
[ Minegishi Gen is such a strange figure to her. it made sense to affix herself to him when she was part of Zenith's ranks; someone that might hurt her could still be someone that might protect her, after all, so long as she behaved herself well. now that she has returned to Meridian, it seems more absurd than ever to count on any mercy from Gen, which makes him a threat without any value to offset it, but... here she is, holding onto that thread anyway. pleasantly surprised to hear from him at all after they had parted ways.
though she does wish it hadn't been now, of all times. ugh, this wretched illness of hers. and just what is he so pissed off about, anyway... ]
I'll meet you, um... Here? [ she shows him an image of a café in Springstar, with a broad enough view to put it in the context of its surroundings. ] —Or I could come to Highstorm, if you'd prefer?
[ It might have been brief, but there was definitely something there -- a sympathetic twinge of something sharp enough to cut even through the lingering exhaustion and aches of what he'd endured during the fight for the Oracle. Something that he knows he sure as hell didn't just hallucinate. It had been too lacking in malice or intent to be an active attack from Ruby (as if she could even manage such a thing), though. Which means ... ]
...
[ There's a moment of silence on Gen's end, and Ruby might feel her skin prickling ever so slightly, the way one feels a dubious stare boring into their skin. But after a moment, there's a quiet huff. Gen's anger lessens just a fraction -- not out of any kindness or mercy, but simply because the brief distraction's stoppered the momentum of his irritation -- and the edges of his words are faintly blunted when he speaks again. ]
Fine. I'm heading over. [ Of course, he doesn't even wait for a response before just cutting the connection. Rude!
At least he moves fast, motivated by irritation, anxiety, and the desire to get this entire matter over and done with. By the time Ruby shows up to the cafe, Gen is already there, seated at one of the little tables outside nursing a cup of black coffee. (Because of course that's his drink of choice.) On the table next to his cup sits a fabric sack containing ... something. No doubt the delivery he means for Ruby to make. ]
...
[ There's a moment of silence on Gen's end, and Ruby might feel her skin prickling ever so slightly, the way one feels a dubious stare boring into their skin. But after a moment, there's a quiet huff. Gen's anger lessens just a fraction -- not out of any kindness or mercy, but simply because the brief distraction's stoppered the momentum of his irritation -- and the edges of his words are faintly blunted when he speaks again. ]
Fine. I'm heading over. [ Of course, he doesn't even wait for a response before just cutting the connection. Rude!
At least he moves fast, motivated by irritation, anxiety, and the desire to get this entire matter over and done with. By the time Ruby shows up to the cafe, Gen is already there, seated at one of the little tables outside nursing a cup of black coffee. (Because of course that's his drink of choice.) On the table next to his cup sits a fabric sack containing ... something. No doubt the delivery he means for Ruby to make. ]
[ this bastard?! ugh, this is what she gets for being involved with a teenage boy.
as one would expect, Rudbeckia shows up at their meeting place in short time and without complaint; despite that foreboding flash of something Gen had felt, she looks the same as ever, though purged of her Zenith Discord and dressed in new attire. there's a warm smile on her face, an empty wicker basket hanging off her arm, and a pair of sha ears perched atop her head reminiscent of the mask that Set sometimes wears. if it were anyone else, she'd feign a more chirpy, excited demeanour, but— ]
Hi, Gen. It's good to see you. [ Ruby slides into the seat across from him with nothing more than that soft greeting. they have an understanding, and she doesn't want to annoy him any more when he already seems to be in a foul mood. there are no questions about his health, no tearful apologies about her betrayal or Zenith's recent loss, no simpering platitudes over how glad she is that he seems well.
she moves on, simply: ] What did you need me to do for you?
[ her fingers are wrapped around the handle of the wicker basket she carries, knuckles white with tension. it's fine. she's used to having to endure this without showing it. ]
as one would expect, Rudbeckia shows up at their meeting place in short time and without complaint; despite that foreboding flash of something Gen had felt, she looks the same as ever, though purged of her Zenith Discord and dressed in new attire. there's a warm smile on her face, an empty wicker basket hanging off her arm, and a pair of sha ears perched atop her head reminiscent of the mask that Set sometimes wears. if it were anyone else, she'd feign a more chirpy, excited demeanour, but— ]
Hi, Gen. It's good to see you. [ Ruby slides into the seat across from him with nothing more than that soft greeting. they have an understanding, and she doesn't want to annoy him any more when he already seems to be in a foul mood. there are no questions about his health, no tearful apologies about her betrayal or Zenith's recent loss, no simpering platitudes over how glad she is that he seems well.
she moves on, simply: ] What did you need me to do for you?
[ her fingers are wrapped around the handle of the wicker basket she carries, knuckles white with tension. it's fine. she's used to having to endure this without showing it. ]
[ As Ruby approaches him where he sits, a pointy ear flicks first. Then Gen looks up as Ruby takes a seat across from him -- his expression remaining at his usual, surly scowl even as he takes another long sip of his coffee. Then, finally, after a pointed pause, he lowers his cup and rests a hand on that bag resting on the table. Gently, Ruby might note. At least, gently enough that it's obvious he's taking care not to jostle whatever's contained within. ]
You're going to get these to Set for me. [ Then his gaze dips away from Ruby, fixing on some indistinct point on the table; the thin press of his lips to a grim slash, accompanied by the gentle backwards cant of his canine ears, indicates this is a matter to take seriously. Gen pauses before continuing, his voice lowered but gritted roughly: ] Doesn't need an explanation or anything. He'll understand as soon as he sees what it is.
[ Why isn't he just delivering these objects to Set himself? That's for him to know, and Ruby to wonder about. Gen offers no further explanation on that front, though -- he does keep his hand resting on the sack as his gaze fixes sharply on Ruby once more. ]
I need'em to be moved carefully, though. [ Said as he gives an upwards nod towards her white-knuckled grip at her basket. He's always been more observant that people would assume, after all, and he'd noticed that pretty much immediately. Like hell he's going to risk Ruby taking these jars and then dropping them. ] What's with you.
You're going to get these to Set for me. [ Then his gaze dips away from Ruby, fixing on some indistinct point on the table; the thin press of his lips to a grim slash, accompanied by the gentle backwards cant of his canine ears, indicates this is a matter to take seriously. Gen pauses before continuing, his voice lowered but gritted roughly: ] Doesn't need an explanation or anything. He'll understand as soon as he sees what it is.
[ Why isn't he just delivering these objects to Set himself? That's for him to know, and Ruby to wonder about. Gen offers no further explanation on that front, though -- he does keep his hand resting on the sack as his gaze fixes sharply on Ruby once more. ]
I need'em to be moved carefully, though. [ Said as he gives an upwards nod towards her white-knuckled grip at her basket. He's always been more observant that people would assume, after all, and he'd noticed that pretty much immediately. Like hell he's going to risk Ruby taking these jars and then dropping them. ] What's with you.
[ I'm in so much pain I feel like I'm gonna black out, that's what's with me!
—but it wouldn't matter. even though there were visible symptoms the last time her illness flared up, that was abnormal, and Rudbeckia can't expect it to happen again. if she complains about it this time, it will be easily dismissed: she's lying to get sympathy or attention, she just wants an excuse to be lazy, she's crying about nothing and she should just suck it up. as long as she can't provide any proof, that's how it will always be. she's certain that Gen wouldn't have any patience for such things.
Ruby laughs off his wariness, the sound light and musical: ] Nothing, nothing! I have a bit of a headache, that's all.
[ it isn't carelessness. there's no way she would ever allow herself to damage something that is meant for Set, even more so when it is clearly precious in some way. she doesn't want to disappoint Gen, either. she just thinks—she should be able to endure it, right? however bad it gets, she's meant to be able to grit her teeth and carry on. how else can she expect to survive? if she relied on any kindness or consideration or mercy now, then it would be a sign that she's gotten too complacent. ]
I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll be really careful, I promise. [ she holds up the wicker basket triumphantly. ] And look, this is perfect! If I carry them in the basket, they'll be extra safe.
—but it wouldn't matter. even though there were visible symptoms the last time her illness flared up, that was abnormal, and Rudbeckia can't expect it to happen again. if she complains about it this time, it will be easily dismissed: she's lying to get sympathy or attention, she just wants an excuse to be lazy, she's crying about nothing and she should just suck it up. as long as she can't provide any proof, that's how it will always be. she's certain that Gen wouldn't have any patience for such things.
Ruby laughs off his wariness, the sound light and musical: ] Nothing, nothing! I have a bit of a headache, that's all.
[ it isn't carelessness. there's no way she would ever allow herself to damage something that is meant for Set, even more so when it is clearly precious in some way. she doesn't want to disappoint Gen, either. she just thinks—she should be able to endure it, right? however bad it gets, she's meant to be able to grit her teeth and carry on. how else can she expect to survive? if she relied on any kindness or consideration or mercy now, then it would be a sign that she's gotten too complacent. ]
I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll be really careful, I promise. [ she holds up the wicker basket triumphantly. ] And look, this is perfect! If I carry them in the basket, they'll be extra safe.
[ A headache. Right.
One of Gen's pointy dog ears flicks. Then Gen picks his cup back up, taking a long, obnoxious slurp from it as he fixes a flat stare on Ruby over the rim of it -- communicating without words: I don't fucking trust you.
It's not that he thinks Ruby is lying, necessarily. Maybe she's telling the truth, maybe she's not. But regardless, he simply doesn't trust her with this task -- not in the way he'd originally planned -- if she's so unwell that he can catch onto it. The stakes are too high for him to risk the possibility of her taking the bag, wobbling her way to wherever, and then crumpling like some delicate damsel and fracturing its contents as she wilts to her knees. Or whatever. Gen drains his coffee before putting the cup back down with the clack of ceramic against the tabletop. It's followed shortly by the scrape of chair legs against the pavement as he starts to stand, hand still on the bag as he drones, ]
Where're you planning on giving it to him. I'll take them there. [ Note: he does not say 'for you.' Rude little shit. ] You can call him after I leave.
[ Was Ruby planning on getting anything for herself at the cafe? Too bad, because Gen's not in the mood to linger and wait for her to get a drink. He simply says, as fact, that they're going to head out. ]
One of Gen's pointy dog ears flicks. Then Gen picks his cup back up, taking a long, obnoxious slurp from it as he fixes a flat stare on Ruby over the rim of it -- communicating without words: I don't fucking trust you.
It's not that he thinks Ruby is lying, necessarily. Maybe she's telling the truth, maybe she's not. But regardless, he simply doesn't trust her with this task -- not in the way he'd originally planned -- if she's so unwell that he can catch onto it. The stakes are too high for him to risk the possibility of her taking the bag, wobbling her way to wherever, and then crumpling like some delicate damsel and fracturing its contents as she wilts to her knees. Or whatever. Gen drains his coffee before putting the cup back down with the clack of ceramic against the tabletop. It's followed shortly by the scrape of chair legs against the pavement as he starts to stand, hand still on the bag as he drones, ]
Where're you planning on giving it to him. I'll take them there. [ Note: he does not say 'for you.' Rude little shit. ] You can call him after I leave.
[ Was Ruby planning on getting anything for herself at the cafe? Too bad, because Gen's not in the mood to linger and wait for her to get a drink. He simply says, as fact, that they're going to head out. ]
[ of course it's not a surprise to see that expression on Gen's face. she would never expect to be trusted in the first place. she's well aware of what she is, the place she will always occupy, a useless disappointment that can never climb up from the bottom. and yet, absurdly, it stings – a different pain entirely to the one racking her body, a single drop of water in the ocean that she is nonetheless keenly aware of. ]
Oh—I was just going to take it to his shrine, but... [ she stands too, fidgeting with the basket in her hands; bites down on the inside of her mouth to keep her expression from twisting at a wave of nausea. ] A-Are you sure? I really wanted to be useful to you...
[ crying would be too far when it comes to what Gen is willing to tolerate. to someone else, it might convey sincerity; he isn't the type to accept that, and he'll only see it as lying or, at worst, deliberate manipulation. instead, Ruby hangs her head to present herself as appropriately contrite. honestly... more than anything, she's annoyed with herself – this wouldn't be enough to ruin their fragile relationship entirely, he wouldn't even hurt her for this kind of mistake, but every little thing adds up in time. she should have done better, tried harder not to be a liability. when he runs out of tolerance for her, it will be because of moments like this.
blood drips onto the surface of the table, a sudden splash of red. ]
Oh—I was just going to take it to his shrine, but... [ she stands too, fidgeting with the basket in her hands; bites down on the inside of her mouth to keep her expression from twisting at a wave of nausea. ] A-Are you sure? I really wanted to be useful to you...
[ crying would be too far when it comes to what Gen is willing to tolerate. to someone else, it might convey sincerity; he isn't the type to accept that, and he'll only see it as lying or, at worst, deliberate manipulation. instead, Ruby hangs her head to present herself as appropriately contrite. honestly... more than anything, she's annoyed with herself – this wouldn't be enough to ruin their fragile relationship entirely, he wouldn't even hurt her for this kind of mistake, but every little thing adds up in time. she should have done better, tried harder not to be a liability. when he runs out of tolerance for her, it will be because of moments like this.
blood drips onto the surface of the table, a sudden splash of red. ]
S'fine. [ It's said gruffly, but not untruthfully. Because Gen really doesn't mind legging it to wherever it is Ruby plans on handing the jars over. The busywork of moving the jars around was never the issue. ] As long as you're the one who calls him over and hands'em over, I don't care. S'useful enough for me.
[ He's not saying it to coddle her, of course. (As if an insensitive shithead like him is capable of coddling anyone.)
It's just that ... the prospect of seeing Set face to face right now really does have an anxious knot twisting in the pit of his stomach, his emotions unable to find a proper vector. He's still furious at Set, hating him for interfering during the battle for the Oracle -- but a part of him also wants to make things right. A part of him still clings to memories of moments spent in Set's arms; a part of him still wants to believe in the promise of happiness in another lifetime, in another world. And so long as he's struggling to reconcile those two jagged halves of his mind, what Ruby can offers him is invaluable -- a surefire way of communicating to Set without actually having to look at him. ]
[ He's not saying it to coddle her, of course. (As if an insensitive shithead like him is capable of coddling anyone.)
It's just that ... the prospect of seeing Set face to face right now really does have an anxious knot twisting in the pit of his stomach, his emotions unable to find a proper vector. He's still furious at Set, hating him for interfering during the battle for the Oracle -- but a part of him also wants to make things right. A part of him still clings to memories of moments spent in Set's arms; a part of him still wants to believe in the promise of happiness in another lifetime, in another world. And so long as he's struggling to reconcile those two jagged halves of his mind, what Ruby can offers him is invaluable -- a surefire way of communicating to Set without actually having to look at him. ]
[ ... is what's he's thinking as he looks to the streets, considering what's the quickest route to the nearest cornerstone. Then he looks back to see Ruby bleeding. ]
-- what the fuck.
[ Sorry Ruby, but his first move is to jerk the bag containing the jars out of the way of that blood splatter; he told Set he'd keep them safe, after all. And then he awkwardly steps closer to Ruby, looking at her with clear confusion and ... maybe just that tiniest little hint of concern. ]
What happened. Why're you ...
-- what the fuck.
[ Sorry Ruby, but his first move is to jerk the bag containing the jars out of the way of that blood splatter; he told Set he'd keep them safe, after all. And then he awkwardly steps closer to Ruby, looking at her with clear confusion and ... maybe just that tiniest little hint of concern. ]
What happened. Why're you ...
[ ah, her damn cursed luck. Rudbeckia was so pleased to hear that brusque dismissal. this should have been a moment of relief – Gen really isn't angry with her, she's still useful to him, nothing will change, she hasn't ruined everything yet. but of course, as soon as she has one thing to be happy about, something else goes wrong. she recoils from Gen's approach, shifting back on instinct as he moves towards her. ]
Ahaha! [ the burst of laughter is too loud, too high-pitched. Ruby's hand hides her nose and mouth, more to conceal it from Gen than to staunch the bleeding. ] H-How embarrassing! I'm okay, I'm okay. It must be something in the air. I just need to...
[ stepping away from Gen means stepping away from the table, too, and that's—
—a mistake. it feels like someone knocks her on the back of the head with a hammer: there's a crack of pain, the dizziness that sends her reeling, her vision goes black. without the table to lean on, Ruby staggers, and then her knees buckle. it is not a gracious, ladylike faint. that split second of unconsciousness sends her pitching forward without any chance of catching herself. ]
Ahaha! [ the burst of laughter is too loud, too high-pitched. Ruby's hand hides her nose and mouth, more to conceal it from Gen than to staunch the bleeding. ] H-How embarrassing! I'm okay, I'm okay. It must be something in the air. I just need to...
[ stepping away from Gen means stepping away from the table, too, and that's—
—a mistake. it feels like someone knocks her on the back of the head with a hammer: there's a crack of pain, the dizziness that sends her reeling, her vision goes black. without the table to lean on, Ruby staggers, and then her knees buckle. it is not a gracious, ladylike faint. that split second of unconsciousness sends her pitching forward without any chance of catching herself. ]
[ They're all lucky that Gen, despite his many flaws, at least has good reflexes.
Ruby suddenly buckles, and Gen lunges forward without even thinking. And while Ruby doesn't get a gentle catch, she at least does get a catch. Gen's hand latches around her wrist hard enough to leave bruises, then yanks back hard enough to send an ache ripping through her shoulder. At least he catches her as she inevitable stumbles back from the hard pull, grunting as he supports her (delicate) weight with the same arm.
Too bad whatever style points he earned with that quick catch are mitigated by the fact he'd jostled the little table from the hasty movement. It has the jars wobbling atop the table where they sit, and Gen has to move just as hastily to grab at them to secure them where they sit lest they topple off and smash onto the ground below. ]
You moron! [ Sorry Ruby, but Gen's quick to snarl that rebuke practically into Ruby's face, given the way he's propping her up in his arm. At least it's followed by a marginally less terrifying -- ] The hell're you thinking, tryin' to run? The hell's that supposed to accomplish?!
[ Followed by an irate huff before Gen carefully parts his hand from the jars, making sure that they're sitting safe atop the table. Only then, he returns his full attention to Ruby, squinting at the blood pouring from her face; though he tries to maintain his usual brusque, uncaring demeanor, his voice is just a little tighter than usual. ]
Are you dying? [ Maybe a silly question to ask! But he means it in pragmatic fashion. ] I'm callin' someone on your side to come deal with this if you don't tell me what's going on. [ Mental correction: even if she does tell him what's going on, if she actually is dying, he's still calling someone. Like hell he's dealing with her dying in his arms and getting saddled with the blame. ]
Ruby suddenly buckles, and Gen lunges forward without even thinking. And while Ruby doesn't get a gentle catch, she at least does get a catch. Gen's hand latches around her wrist hard enough to leave bruises, then yanks back hard enough to send an ache ripping through her shoulder. At least he catches her as she inevitable stumbles back from the hard pull, grunting as he supports her (delicate) weight with the same arm.
Too bad whatever style points he earned with that quick catch are mitigated by the fact he'd jostled the little table from the hasty movement. It has the jars wobbling atop the table where they sit, and Gen has to move just as hastily to grab at them to secure them where they sit lest they topple off and smash onto the ground below. ]
You moron! [ Sorry Ruby, but Gen's quick to snarl that rebuke practically into Ruby's face, given the way he's propping her up in his arm. At least it's followed by a marginally less terrifying -- ] The hell're you thinking, tryin' to run? The hell's that supposed to accomplish?!
[ Followed by an irate huff before Gen carefully parts his hand from the jars, making sure that they're sitting safe atop the table. Only then, he returns his full attention to Ruby, squinting at the blood pouring from her face; though he tries to maintain his usual brusque, uncaring demeanor, his voice is just a little tighter than usual. ]
Are you dying? [ Maybe a silly question to ask! But he means it in pragmatic fashion. ] I'm callin' someone on your side to come deal with this if you don't tell me what's going on. [ Mental correction: even if she does tell him what's going on, if she actually is dying, he's still calling someone. Like hell he's dealing with her dying in his arms and getting saddled with the blame. ]
[ it's a sudden flurry of motion that comes to an abrupt halt with a better ending than it could have had, thanks to Gen's fast reflexes. but the fallout does not seem to settle as it should. once he has her safely secured, it comes into focus that the way that Rudbeckia is looking up at Gen is an expression he's seen on her before, when their relationship was something different. it's the intense fear of a child cowering before a raised hand, a beaten dog caught at the end of its chain. perhaps there is a second where he could think that it's an overreaction to his flare in temper, that this is just meek cowering because someone dared to yell at her – but it's when he says I'm calling someone that her hand latches onto his forearm in a claw-like grip, and she cries out, desperate: ]
No! [ that one word is the most she's ever raised her voice at Gen. the times he'd pushed her around, she had kept quiet as a mouse, even her pleas for mercy held in check by that obsequious politeness. but she just—she thinks of the way that Father would look at her. Are you unwell, my daughter? the outstretched hand that should have been gentle, the bruises it leaves behind. You're not lying, are you? ] —No, I'm not. Please don't tell anyone, I'm not sick at all. I-I just fell, I'm sorry, I'll get up. I don't need anything.
[ no one will ever believe her. she must remember that. just because her symptoms are clearer right now doesn't mean that anything will change. if she allows herself to be taken to a doctor, they won't find anything wrong with her, and she'll be nothing more than a nuisance overreacting to a little blood. even if they accept she's sick, they'll say that she should bear with it, that the pain can't be that bad. it's just her. and the next time it happens, there will be eye-rolling, complaints: why are you always like this? or they'll push her harder, the way Cesare used to, the way her family in her previous life did, because she's just lying and faking to get attention or pity or she's that lazy and she needs to be taught a lesson...
in a small, small voice— ]
I'll be good.
No! [ that one word is the most she's ever raised her voice at Gen. the times he'd pushed her around, she had kept quiet as a mouse, even her pleas for mercy held in check by that obsequious politeness. but she just—she thinks of the way that Father would look at her. Are you unwell, my daughter? the outstretched hand that should have been gentle, the bruises it leaves behind. You're not lying, are you? ] —No, I'm not. Please don't tell anyone, I'm not sick at all. I-I just fell, I'm sorry, I'll get up. I don't need anything.
[ no one will ever believe her. she must remember that. just because her symptoms are clearer right now doesn't mean that anything will change. if she allows herself to be taken to a doctor, they won't find anything wrong with her, and she'll be nothing more than a nuisance overreacting to a little blood. even if they accept she's sick, they'll say that she should bear with it, that the pain can't be that bad. it's just her. and the next time it happens, there will be eye-rolling, complaints: why are you always like this? or they'll push her harder, the way Cesare used to, the way her family in her previous life did, because she's just lying and faking to get attention or pity or she's that lazy and she needs to be taught a lesson...
in a small, small voice— ]
I'll be good.
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