trustfell | Initiative.

Rachel looks a bit conflicted about what should happen from here; Lisbeth is still on the floor, but she's told her what she should do, and so... Well, she's never really been good at saying no, though she does walk up and reach out to pet Lisbeth's hair gingerly for a moment before turning to everyone else.

"We should leave."

And with that, the courtroom changes, all at once; it was one thing, and then quite simply it isn't, and the podium circle has been replaced with a round spread of consoles wrapping around a center spire. The room is no longer concrete and steel, but rather stark white, all done up in glossy tile that looks like it'd crack if you hit it hard enough with something – that said, it's not recommended to try, given that it's just as indestructible as everything else in the building.

Rachel approaches the consoles, reaching out to touch them, fingers tapping gently against several of the unmarked buttons; it's probably not precisely necessary for her to do so, given the state of things, but she seems to like doing it, so do it she shall. There are a pair of slots that look like keycards are required; she glances at them for a second before manipulating more buttons, causing a small panel to open up in front of her – it looks like an authorization mechanism of some sort, the kind that you press your hand against to get it to recognize you.

"It's going to be a bit jarring when you wake up; sorry about that, but you've been asleep for a really long time. I'd suggest giving it a moment."

She pauses, though, once that's out there, glancing back at everyone.

"I'll be on the other side with you, but not like this. We can still talk, though, if you like."

And with that she just turns and presses her hand against the panel without waiting for an answer; the next thing you're aware of is the flash.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ ...mmm. ]

I don't usually do that kinda stuff anyway. I just watch it with my gang! They're the ones with all the crazy fun ideas. [ All violence and death is more, like, incidental when it comes to her.

...Because she doesn't care what happens as long as she gets what she wants SHE'S SELFISH, I'M SORRY. ] Here was just kinda different. I mean, I went stir-crazy, what else was I supposed to do?

[ not that. ]

Anyway, like, agreed.

I am serious. I will not tolerate that in my presence ever, ever again.

[ WHAT ELSE WAS SHE SUPPOSED TO DO? NOT RIP HER HEART OUT? Elda's eyes go cold for a moment, narrowing some... she resists the urge to slap her before she nods and tries to get back into the moment.

... Inhale. ]

... It will be upon me to teach you, I suppose.

... And second. If you want this from me - please state it plainly. If I'm honest, it wouldn't be fair of me to demand this because I don't think I can call it "love" or anything on my end but... but I have well earned the right to demand this much of you. Tell me that you like me, or want to be kissed or something, at the very least.

[ Aligula makes a face at the first part, but it fades as Elda continues... and she leans forward, pressing their foreheads together gently. ]

I don't think it's "love" for me either, but I do like you, and I really want to bring you back to the city with me. Is that good enough?

[ . . . Is it?

... Mmm. She nuzzles their foreheads together, smiling and answers sincerely. ]

I will live at least three more centuries. I'll still be alive by the time most other people from this experience are dust. That makes them no less important, but it does make things with you... different, shall we say? [ . . . ] I will be returning to Shihaba. I won't - I likely will never want to live in Hellsalem's Lot. Not while I still have family that breathes.

... But I would visit. I would live with you for a while at a time. I would be willing to say we are taken when we see those ghost hookers. And I- ... I would invite you to my Shihaba.

Is that good enough for you?

[ ...Mmmm. ]

Not really. [ you selfish— ] If you're gonna say yes, you gotta feel the same way. I'm not interested in loveless... or likeless? Relationships.

[ Hah. ]

... You are my friend. A precious friend of mine who I like very much. And I would not mind seeing if that feeling can grow.

[ And... she leans her head in a little, and she - plants a kiss just off center from Aligula's lips. ]

[ If you think she's gonna be satisfied with just that, you're wrong; she's stunned for a second, largely because she's used to being the one taking charge and initiating things—

but she doesn't mind following, either. Still, she moves a little to kiss her back properly, actually not used to kissing someone her height; her type's usually taller, but then again, her type's usually more masculine, too. Maybe same-height girls are the way to go. She'll get used to it.

...She is also sort of touch-starved, she has not kissed anyone in ages, sorry Elda. ]

[ Oh.

... She didn't expect Aligula to kiss her back. She somewhat suspected she might be able to get away with a cool line and a peck. There are a lot of serious concerns here - her and Aligula are not as perfectly compatible as her and James. She's got no idea how to introduce the woman to her family. What will Sayaka think, let alone Henry? She's not even sure if her feelings are that sincerely oriented towards "love" or... anything. But...

... But she laughs all the same. She laughs in the back of her throat and kisses Aligula right back, her arms coming up to drape on her shoulders and then one behind the girl's waist and one on the back of her head. ]

Initiative.

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject