[ There's no time like the present, after all!! To take people out on (not) dates. It's fine, he already gave Malkuth a tour (to shut her up), what's one more? There's nothing weird about this.
Upon acceptance, Ishmael will find herself....at the beach! You know what it looks like. I'm not gonna describe Fontaine to you when you probably know what it looks like better than I do.
Nearby stands Wriothesley, dressed in not his usual civvie outfit but a strangely complex outfit featuring thigh high boots, a vest and collared shirt, and a fur-lined coat that drapes off his back. Guess being back in Fontaine (even digitally) has triggered the unconscious decision to revert back to his usual home outfit of choice. He gives her a little wave when he sees her. ]
Hey.
not if this catchall gets buried with all the newer posts
[ cannot believe you're making me describe things... but i'll do it for you, for us, and for the girls reading this. ishmael finds herself at a beach outside the walls of a walled city nearby, the sun already setting in the horizon as wriothesley makes his way over to her. she blinks at his fontainian drip and... realizes that she may be a little underdress for this occasion. um. ]
Hold on, let me just--
[ it doesn't take her long to figure out what to wear. it's the beach, and she could see a ship just drifting by in the horizon, manned by faceless sailors that are only there to fill out the backdrop. her ratty loungewear then transforms into a simple dress, and she gives him a casual wave back - as casual as she can be, anyway. ]
[ Wait, why is she—oh. A quick look down reveals the root of her (easily-solved) worry, and something between a grimace and a pained smile flashes across his face. ]
Sorry. I didn't mean to dress like this. Force of habit.
[ Sometimes you need to project an air of confidence and also a little bit of ruthlessness so all the prison inmates under your watch don't think you're a pushover. But she hasn't commented on the look too much, so maybe he can loiter around in it a little longer. ]
You look nice though.
[ In her sailor dress, hair billowing out behind her. The words leave his mouth and instantly he wonders if he should have remarked on her appearance. This really is beginning to feel too much like an (actual) date. Maybe he won't do the gentlemanly thing and hold out his arm for her to take. ]
Is there anything in particular you wanted to see? Besides the ocean.
[ he does look pretty intimidating in that get-up, huh. but it's fine, she supposes. this is yet again another side of him that anyone else has yet to see, and she finds herself taking delight in it -- like indulging a secret between the two of them. ]
Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself.
[ she'll take that compliment, at least. if he said anything more specific she would've folded. but she is wondering why he's not holding out his arm like he usually would... oh well, she's probably overthinking it again. ]
I'm already satisfied just gazing out into the ocean alone. Has it always been this clear?
[ she could see long strands of seaweed swaying from the ocean floor, the schools of unidentifiable fish swimming past. it's a beautiful sight, but she'll behave and join wriothesley at his side for now. ]
Let's just take a walk along the shore, if you don't mind. If there's anything you want to say about your hometown, I'm all ears.
You think so? [ He glances down again, this time without the html fuckup. ] It seems to work well enough on the inmates, so I've never bothered to change it.
[ There, her crumbs of prison lore. Nothing will ever top his traumadumping session of before, but that's probably for the best. They both need some recovery time.
If she wants to walk around though, they can certainly do that, and he waves one hand for her to go ahead before falling into step beside her. Still no offered arm to hold onto though, damn. :/ ]
As far as I've lived here, it has. [ Which has been his whole life, and will continue to be his whole life. ] Probably has something to do with Fontaine being the source of all waters in Teyvat.
[ Is that actually true? Is it something someone made up once? He's no biologist to care enough, and though he's done some reading on the nation's history, even history books tend to exaggerate actual truth. Anyway. ]
There's not really much to say though. I wouldn't say Fontaine's all that different from any other nation out there. People still do what they can to make a living for themselves, visit friends and raise families the best they can.
[ and so they walk. the water may be artificial, fueled by wriothesley's memories of his world, but it's realistic enough to the point of uncanniness. ishmael quickly adapts, though; it's no different from peering into a sinner's psyche every time they get too close to a golden bough. only this time it's-- ]
It's different enough for me. Everything here so far is... peaceful. [ her smile is wan as they leave footprints in the sand. ] I know this is all virtual reality, but this means the grass and the flowers in Fontaine are all-natural. I don't remember the last time I've been to a beach this pretty.
[ even the prettier beaches of U Corp's Nests are mere tourist traps, stripped of all its natural beauty. here, it's all untouched. taking a deep breath of the artificial-yet-seemingly-real ocean breeze, she peers into the distance and spots-- ]
Hm? What are those?
[ just a few feet away are seal-like creatures on their backs, just loafing away as they soak in the setting sun on the coastline. ishmael doesn't know that though, and she runs forth to get a closer look. ]
[ How cryptic. Not that he means to be pessimistic or ruin this perfectly pleasant outing - inning? technically they haven't left their rooms - but it's hard to go back to viewing Fontaine as some sort of ideal and just nation when he's experienced firsthand too many of its societal and economic flaws.
But no one cares about his personal problems, why talk about those when cute Blubberbeasts are right out there in the open for everyone to see? He looks a little startled when Ishmael suddenly runs off, eyes following the path set by her feet before they land on the round marine animals just soaking up the sun.
He takes his time following behind her. ]
They're Blubberbeasts. [ me pulling up the genshin wiki at lightspeed. ] They're pretty peaceful creatures. They won't hurt you if you don't hurt them.
[ and ig they won't hurt you even if you hurt them............ ]
[ oh, she's not about to deny that fontaine's a perfect place to live in - no nation is, in her opinion - but right now, this little spot manifested from wriothesley's mind is all that matters.
true to his word, the blubberbeasts are just chillin' on their backs, not even looking up to watch ishmael carefully approaching them. sorry, it's just instinct for her to be cautious after years of fending off monsters. though, they don't look monstrous at all, do they? ]
They're so...
[ cute...... way too cute. yall just have seals roll up on your beaches like it's nobody's business? wow. ishmael doesn't show outward cuteness aggression, but she walks up to them and starts blinking rapidly while pressing a button behind her ear, indicating that she is taking pictures. a Lot of pictures. sorry wrio you have been forgotten ]
[ She's so valid for that, tbh. Who cares about men when there are round beach ball seals to take pictures of?
While her rapt attention is fixed on the Blubberbeasts, Wriothesley wanders over to a nearby rocky outcropping and takes a seat, resting both elbows on his thighs as he watches her do whatever it is she's doing (take pictures). The Blubberbeasts are cute, sure, but they're old news to him. What's really cute is Ishmael just chilling there, the skirt of her dress rippling in the afternoon breeze, a look of deep concentration on her face.
They're not really back in Fontaine and this definitely isn't a date, but for a handful of seconds he can let himself be deluded into thinking it is. There's nothing wrong with having dreams as long as he wakes himself up at the end of it all. But for now, he will content himself with staring at her like a creep. ]
[ she's very much locked in on these guys, snapping as much photos as she could. what is she, march? though she supposes she understands where march is coming from this one time. she then looks up from her current distraction to catch wriothesley watching her from afar, the artificial ocean breeze combing through his hair as he sits there. this time, she doesn't shy away from her own feelings. she lets herself concede for this singular moment in time that she is happy, that there really is nowhere she's rather be than here with him for company.
her heart lodges itself in her throat. don't worry, she won't throw up.
ever since talking it out with various people on the network, it had been so easy to convince herself that whatever she has for him is just physical -- just meaningless chemistry, something she would've felt for any other guy who'd bother to get to know her on a deeper level. there aren't plenty of people like that at base or at the City, after all. but that's not what this is, isn't it? not anymore, and maybe it never was.
because chemistry and niceties don't explain why she can't breathe right now. why she wants to stay here in this fake version of the only world he's ever known before coming here, why she wants to kiss him again despite everything. but she'll put a cap on it for now as she walks toward him to take a seat right next to him, grateful that he'll even let her in the first place. ]
No wonder you like picnics if you can just watch these guys from afar. [ she beams. ] Thanks for showing them to me.
[ Just two regular guys, five feet apart, pining for each other but saying absolutely nothing about their actual feelings.
But really, why bother saying anything when things are fine just the way they are? Ishmael seems to have recovered fully from whatever had been plaguing her all those days ago, whatever heavy discomfort had been hanging in the air that night wholly dissipated. Now it's back to the way things were before, easy and breezy. And, yeah, maybe he's a little more aware of her presence as she takes a seat next to him, more cognizant of the scent of her soap drifting past his nose and the strands of fiery orange hair that brush against his shoulder, but that's nothing he can't temper down with a little bit of effort.
I'd rather watch you he thinks, but saying it aloud would be too on the nose....and probably ruin the nice atmosphere of this absolutely-not-a-date outing. ]
Maybe I should think up a picnic while we're here, to make up for last time.
[ No cursed sakura trees here to make him sneeze, even if they were pretty. (Not as pretty as Ishmael—) Though can they even eat in VR?? Probably not. ]
You really didn't have anything like this back in the City? [ Like he knows it's bad, but that bad?? ]
You sure? I don't mind, but I don't think we could eat or drink in virtual reality...
[ they can conjure fake food, but it'll probably just go right through them rip. ]
Beaches in the Nest are nicer than the Backstreets, at least. But they're more for the tourists to enjoy themselves in, so they're always too crowded -- nothing like the view before us right now. [ she rests her chin on one hand while she points somewhere at the sea with the other. ] And besides, I used to stay further into the lake, on these massive portships the size of islands. Definitely no beaches there.
[ there's a wistful look in her eyes as she turns to wriothesley, smiling nonetheless. ]
I'd show you but... I'm not ready to go back, honestly. And not to underestimate you, but I don't think you'll be ready for it either.
[ it's the same thing she tried telling the other sinners, but they didn't believe her. watching them eat shit while she rescued them time and time again wasn't fun either. ]
[ The hit to his ego.....just kidding, if there's anything that being in Neo-Tokyo has taught him, it's the reality of just how small and insignificant he is in the grand scheme. Not that he hadn't been aware of it before but being constantly surrounded giant monsters and people capable of easily defeating said monsters with a flick of their finger.
Truly he's nothing more than a small fish in a big pond. A vast ocean, even. ]
I'll take your word for it. [ More importantly, if she doesn't want to go back then he's not going to force her. ] There's enough to deal with here, in any case.
[ Here meaning Neo-Tokyo and not fake VR Fontaine. Though she brings up another more interesting point. ]
[ she understands that feeling, though. she'd mulled over it once, when she was at the verge of death one time. how at the end of the day, she's tiny and insignificant to the world, and how a mere existence like her can easily be snuffed out. she's fine now, but-- ]
To my District? Or to the City as a whole? [ a long thoughtful hum ] There's really nothing left for me in my District. Before coming here, we were actually on our way out of the Lake. But...
[ she sighs, avoiding his gaze. ]
Is it wrong to admit that I'd like to stay here a little longer? [ as soon as she says that though, she quickly shakes her hand. ] No, sorry. Even if I want to, I can't. I have a contract to fulfill back home, and I can't just back out of it. And I know this world isn't perfect but... It's safer.
[ and it's a lot safer with him around, and just thinking about it makes her clench her fists. ]
[ Either. Both. He doesn't need to clarify though nor is he given the time to, with only a couple seconds passing before she continues on. Her words are reasonable, practical, a mirror of his own unspoken ones. Neo-Tokyo is a far cry from perfect, the hollow eyes of the homeless that line the streets at night and the barren demolished streets after a particularly nasty kaiju fight enough proof of that. But here she doesn't have to sail the trecherous seas she's so used to. He doesn't have to spend all his time at the depths of the ocean with only exiles and criminals for company.
He glances over at her, head tipped to one side, expression sober but not judgmental. ]
There's nothing wrong with admitting your wants. It's only natural for people to seek out people and places that bring them joy, and that make them feel safe.
[ It's what he believes in anyway, after so many years spent observing those with no safe place to go. ]
But I understand. [ He leans back, a wan smile crossing his face. ] I'm not sure I would stay here either even if I had the choice.
[ there it is. that admission from him would've brought her comfort months ago, but instead there's a pang in her chest instead. it'd be sad to see him go, and to go back to whatever dangerous trysts the City has to offer. there's not even a guarantee that she'll remember everything here, what with how they've tampered with their minds thus far. ]
Guess we'll have to live our lives here to the fullest before going back to do even more paperwork.
[ it's supposed to be a joke, but now she's dreading about the amount of observation logs she'll have to do UGHHHHH. she stretches her arms, fighting back the urge to lie down. not her fault it's comfy here, and it's because she wants to stay comfy that she's going to change the topic a little. ]
Speaking of paperwork... Does this mean we could visit the Fortress sometime? [ since she doesn't want him to visit her hometown yet, they've got no choice but to explore more of fontaine in his perspective. sorry, king. she sounds a little excited, too. ] And before you start fussing over me, I could handle an underwater prison just fine.
[ Hello?? Of all the places she could have asked to see.
A crease forms between his brows as he frowns down at her, puzzlement clear as day in all the lines of his face. As far as prisons go, the Fortress is relatively tame, closer to a gigantic factory than anything else, but it's certainly never been anyone's idea of a fun destination trip. Except for maybe Charlotte, but reporters are a nosy weird bunch that honestly shouldn't be included. ]
Sure, but are you sure that's what you want to see? It's pretty gloomy down there.
[ a shrug of her shoulders. is it really that weird? maybe it is. no self-respecting person would usually show interest in exploring a prison, but ishmael's just built different sometimes. ]
So was the Pequod, but you don't see me complaining. That's the name of the ship I was employed in, by the way.
[ and that too has been put to rest under the sea. ]
I'm just curious, is all. Unless you want me to commit a crime just for you to give me a tour?
[ a cheeky grin. it's joke, but she can definitely do that if needed hehe. ]
[ Don't smile at him like that, Ishmael, it's bad for his heart. ]
It wouldn't be the first time someone's tried to pull that off.
[ Some people are so desperate....
One more sigh and then he's sitting back up, arms stretching above his head and his twisting from side to side. The name Pequod gets rolled around in his mind briefly before being tucked away for later. ]
But I'd rather you not break the law just to get a peek at the Fortress's secrets. I'll give you a tour, free of charge. [ It's his turn to grin right back at Ishmael. ] Consider it a perk of having a personal relationship with the administrator of the Fortress of Meropide.
[ Friends, he really could have just said friends. ]
ok you gotta choose between wuthering heights and fallout for me
I'm not surprised. There's always treasure to be found under the sea, and even moreso in some fortified fortress.
[ some people commit crimes for the thrill factor, among other things. though it should be hard to sneak into a prison located miles underwater, right? what's the point of putting it down there, then.
but also, the mention of having a personal relationship with him took her out a little. she's not that deluded (at least not right now), but she's not going to correct him on that either 😳 ]
Wow. You really do sound like a big deal. [ not that it matters here anymore, but she's floored anyway. ] I'm honored, though. I don't know what this former desk worker did to get your attention, but... Thanks.
[ she's going to continue smiling at him anyway just to kill him slowly, dimly realizing that she's been doing that a lot more. it's a weird feeling, but not at all unwelcome. ]
[ Thanks, when he dies an early death she can go tell Marcille it was indirectly her fault.
Though it's kind of embarrassing when she frames things like that, even if she's technically right, and he glances away momentarily. ]
I did tell you I was an inmate before I took over, didn't I? I wouldn't consider myself anything special. Anyone else could have done what I did.
[ Maybe it seems that way on the outside to anyone looking in, but he's always seen himself as more of a necessary tool for improvement than any sort of real leader. Everything he's ever done has been out of a desire for change and not any sense of self-satisfaction or personal pride.
Not to mention: ]
And I wouldn't call you any ordinary desk worker either. How many people sail out into treacherous waters brimming with sea monsters and live to tell the tale?
[ Though sorry to accidentally touch upon your survivor's guilt, queen. He leans over a little, index finger reaching out to tap lightly at one of the scars across her knuckles, the smile on his face softening. ]
I'd say perseverence and strength of will is far more important than some fancy title tossed around.
and he just had to touch upon that. ishmael's brows knit together despite knowing that he means well - he always does - but she can't help but think that those traits he mentioned can be taken advantage of as well. her old captain sure did just that when she was still aboard the ship, and there's no forgetting those words anytime soon -- that everything is her fault. ]
You're right, but we're both downplaying ourselves here. Because... I do think you're special. I said it before, didn't I? It's rare for me to find people like you. And...
[ she looks down, then boldly takes his hand on both her own. it's hard to tell whose hand has more scars, or which one is coarser to hold. either way: ]
We both don't deserve what happened to us. We only persevered because we had no other choice. I wish... we didn't have to go through that before coming here.
[ the heterosexuality of this thread is off the charts....
This might just be VR, a hyperrealistic projection of their thoughts and memories, but he swears he can still feel the warmth of her hand against his, the callouses of her fingers against his own equally rough skin. His eyes dip down and linger on the sight of their joined hands, the last of his smile slipping off his face to be as Ishmael twists his words around. And rightfully so; there's nothing incorrect about what she's said. ]
No, you're right. [ Slowly, solemnly. ] We shouldn't have had to go through what we did.
[ Even if he still doesn't know the full breadth of the horrors she'd seen, her actions and reactions now speak for themselves. More than the physical scars are the psychological ones carved deep into their souls, never fully able to heal despite the endless passage of time.
And yet....
His eyes linger on his hand another second before he carefully tugs it free. His fingers itch with the urge to thread through her hair and rest against her cheek. More than that, it would be so easy to close what little remaining distance there is between them and give in to the urge that's permanently lodged itself in the back of his mind. And so he does.
Just kidding, the intrusive thoughts don't win this time. He does, however, wrap both his arms around her, just tight enough for the hug to be recognized for what it is. There's still a bit of awkwardness to it, a lingering sense of stiffness from a lack of practice. ]
Even so, I'm glad you did persevere. The world is a brighter place with you in it.
[ Like literally because of her hair but also figuratively. ]
[ also what the fuck, they didn't kiss? they'd be blind not to notice how they're both staring at each other's lips this entire time, but maybe ishmael in particular is choosing to ignore it for own good.
besides, this hug has taken her by surprise either way. her eyes widen as she's engulfed in his arms, thankful that they're sitting down like this because her knees would've buckled from the sudden physical contact alone. wriothesley may feel awkward and stiff despite the effort, but the fact that he went all in without being requested to do so has melted her heart a little. even more so with those words whispered in her ear.
the world is a brighter place with you in it, he says. crazy to think that once upon a time, she'd had plans to vanish completely into the sea after she'd dealt with her own defined evils. if she'd gone through with it, if dante hadn't stopped her in the nick of time... she wouldn't be here in his arms today, being held like she's the most precious thing in the world.
she swallows, adjusting her head so that she's hiding his face on the crook of his neck. her hands gingerly come up to embrace him in return, fingernails digging into his back as she tries to hold it in. the first time they hugged, it was only out of convenience - to exchange body heat and nothing more. but now, this meant something a lot more, especially since she'd initially thought she'd never get to embrace someone like this again. ]
...Thank you.
[ she's so close to shifting onto his lap as she craves more of his touch, but im also going to hold back on that too :/
but if she sounds a little choked up just now, no you didn't. if he could feel the tiniest of dampness from her eyes whenever she adjusts her head in some way, it's probably all in his imagination. friends hug each other like this all time, after all. ]
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stop that'll just make it easier for people to stalk us
Upon acceptance, Ishmael will find herself....at the beach! You know what it looks like. I'm not gonna describe Fontaine to you when you probably know what it looks like better than I do.
Nearby stands Wriothesley, dressed in not his usual civvie outfit but a strangely complex outfit featuring thigh high boots, a vest and collared shirt, and a fur-lined coat that drapes off his back. Guess being back in Fontaine (even digitally) has triggered the unconscious decision to revert back to his usual home outfit of choice. He gives her a little wave when he sees her. ]
Hey.
not if this catchall gets buried with all the newer posts
Hold on, let me just--
[ it doesn't take her long to figure out what to wear. it's the beach, and she could see a ship just drifting by in the horizon, manned by faceless sailors that are only there to fill out the backdrop. her ratty loungewear then transforms into a simple dress, and she gives him a casual wave back - as casual as she can be, anyway. ]
...Hey.
wait you're so right
Sorry. I didn't mean to dress like this. Force of habit.
[ Sometimes you need to project an air of confidence and also a little bit of ruthlessness so all the prison inmates under your watch don't think you're a pushover. But she hasn't commented on the look too much, so maybe he can loiter around in it a little longer. ]
You look nice though.
[ In her sailor dress, hair billowing out behind her. The words leave his mouth and instantly he wonders if he should have remarked on her appearance. This really is beginning to feel too much like an (actual) date. Maybe he won't do the gentlemanly thing and hold out his arm for her to take. ]
Is there anything in particular you wanted to see? Besides the ocean.
no subject
Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself.
[ she'll take that compliment, at least. if he said anything more specific she would've folded. but she is wondering why he's not holding out his arm like he usually would... oh well, she's probably overthinking it again. ]
I'm already satisfied just gazing out into the ocean alone. Has it always been this clear?
[ she could see long strands of seaweed swaying from the ocean floor, the schools of unidentifiable fish swimming past. it's a beautiful sight, but she'll behave and join wriothesley at his side for now. ]
Let's just take a walk along the shore, if you don't mind. If there's anything you want to say about your hometown, I'm all ears.
no subject
[ There, her crumbs of prison lore. Nothing will ever top his traumadumping session of before, but that's probably for the best. They both need some recovery time.
If she wants to walk around though, they can certainly do that, and he waves one hand for her to go ahead before falling into step beside her. Still no offered arm to hold onto though, damn. :/ ]
As far as I've lived here, it has. [ Which has been his whole life, and will continue to be his whole life. ] Probably has something to do with Fontaine being the source of all waters in Teyvat.
[ Is that actually true? Is it something someone made up once? He's no biologist to care enough, and though he's done some reading on the nation's history, even history books tend to exaggerate actual truth. Anyway. ]
There's not really much to say though. I wouldn't say Fontaine's all that different from any other nation out there. People still do what they can to make a living for themselves, visit friends and raise families the best they can.
no subject
It's different enough for me. Everything here so far is... peaceful. [ her smile is wan as they leave footprints in the sand. ] I know this is all virtual reality, but this means the grass and the flowers in Fontaine are all-natural. I don't remember the last time I've been to a beach this pretty.
[ even the prettier beaches of U Corp's Nests are mere tourist traps, stripped of all its natural beauty. here, it's all untouched. taking a deep breath of the artificial-yet-seemingly-real ocean breeze, she peers into the distance and spots-- ]
Hm? What are those?
[ just a few feet away are seal-like creatures on their backs, just loafing away as they soak in the setting sun on the coastline. ishmael doesn't know that though, and she runs forth to get a closer look. ]
no subject
[ How cryptic. Not that he means to be pessimistic or ruin this perfectly pleasant outing - inning? technically they haven't left their rooms - but it's hard to go back to viewing Fontaine as some sort of ideal and just nation when he's experienced firsthand too many of its societal and economic flaws.
But no one cares about his personal problems, why talk about those when cute Blubberbeasts are right out there in the open for everyone to see? He looks a little startled when Ishmael suddenly runs off, eyes following the path set by her feet before they land on the round marine animals just soaking up the sun.
He takes his time following behind her. ]
They're Blubberbeasts. [ me pulling up the genshin wiki at lightspeed. ] They're pretty peaceful creatures. They won't hurt you if you don't hurt them.
[ and ig they won't hurt you even if you hurt them............ ]
no subject
true to his word, the blubberbeasts are just chillin' on their backs, not even looking up to watch ishmael carefully approaching them. sorry, it's just instinct for her to be cautious after years of fending off monsters. though, they don't look monstrous at all, do they? ]
They're so...
[ cute...... way too cute. yall just have seals roll up on your beaches like it's nobody's business? wow. ishmael doesn't show outward cuteness aggression, but she walks up to them and starts blinking rapidly while pressing a button behind her ear, indicating that she is taking pictures. a Lot of pictures. sorry wrio you have been forgotten ]
no subject
While her rapt attention is fixed on the Blubberbeasts, Wriothesley wanders over to a nearby rocky outcropping and takes a seat, resting both elbows on his thighs as he watches her do whatever it is she's doing (take pictures). The Blubberbeasts are cute, sure, but they're old news to him. What's really cute is Ishmael just chilling there, the skirt of her dress rippling in the afternoon breeze, a look of deep concentration on her face.
They're not really back in Fontaine and this definitely isn't a date, but for a handful of seconds he can let himself be deluded into thinking it is. There's nothing wrong with having dreams as long as he wakes himself up at the end of it all. But for now, he will content himself with staring at her like a creep. ]
no subject
her heart lodges itself in her throat. don't worry, she won't throw up.
ever since talking it out with various people on the network, it had been so easy to convince herself that whatever she has for him is just physical -- just meaningless chemistry, something she would've felt for any other guy who'd bother to get to know her on a deeper level. there aren't plenty of people like that at base or at the City, after all. but that's not what this is, isn't it? not anymore, and maybe it never was.
because chemistry and niceties don't explain why she can't breathe right now. why she wants to stay here in this fake version of the only world he's ever known before coming here, why she wants to kiss him again despite everything. but she'll put a cap on it for now as she walks toward him to take a seat right next to him, grateful that he'll even let her in the first place. ]
No wonder you like picnics if you can just watch these guys from afar. [ she beams. ] Thanks for showing them to me.
no subject
But really, why bother saying anything when things are fine just the way they are? Ishmael seems to have recovered fully from whatever had been plaguing her all those days ago, whatever heavy discomfort had been hanging in the air that night wholly dissipated. Now it's back to the way things were before, easy and breezy. And, yeah, maybe he's a little more aware of her presence as she takes a seat next to him, more cognizant of the scent of her soap drifting past his nose and the strands of fiery orange hair that brush against his shoulder, but that's nothing he can't temper down with a little bit of effort.
I'd rather watch you he thinks, but saying it aloud would be too on the nose....and probably ruin the nice atmosphere of this absolutely-not-a-date outing. ]
Maybe I should think up a picnic while we're here, to make up for last time.
[ No cursed sakura trees here to make him sneeze, even if they were pretty. (Not as pretty as Ishmael—) Though can they even eat in VR?? Probably not. ]
You really didn't have anything like this back in the City? [ Like he knows it's bad, but that bad?? ]
no subject
[ they can conjure fake food, but it'll probably just go right through them rip. ]
Beaches in the Nest are nicer than the Backstreets, at least. But they're more for the tourists to enjoy themselves in, so they're always too crowded -- nothing like the view before us right now. [ she rests her chin on one hand while she points somewhere at the sea with the other. ] And besides, I used to stay further into the lake, on these massive portships the size of islands. Definitely no beaches there.
[ there's a wistful look in her eyes as she turns to wriothesley, smiling nonetheless. ]
I'd show you but... I'm not ready to go back, honestly. And not to underestimate you, but I don't think you'll be ready for it either.
[ it's the same thing she tried telling the other sinners, but they didn't believe her. watching them eat shit while she rescued them time and time again wasn't fun either. ]
no subject
Truly he's nothing more than a small fish in a big pond. A vast ocean, even. ]
I'll take your word for it. [ More importantly, if she doesn't want to go back then he's not going to force her. ] There's enough to deal with here, in any case.
[ Here meaning Neo-Tokyo and not fake VR Fontaine. Though she brings up another more interesting point. ]
Would you still want to go back? Eventually?
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To my District? Or to the City as a whole? [ a long thoughtful hum ] There's really nothing left for me in my District. Before coming here, we were actually on our way out of the Lake. But...
[ she sighs, avoiding his gaze. ]
Is it wrong to admit that I'd like to stay here a little longer? [ as soon as she says that though, she quickly shakes her hand. ] No, sorry. Even if I want to, I can't. I have a contract to fulfill back home, and I can't just back out of it. And I know this world isn't perfect but... It's safer.
[ and it's a lot safer with him around, and just thinking about it makes her clench her fists. ]
no subject
He glances over at her, head tipped to one side, expression sober but not judgmental. ]
There's nothing wrong with admitting your wants. It's only natural for people to seek out people and places that bring them joy, and that make them feel safe.
[ It's what he believes in anyway, after so many years spent observing those with no safe place to go. ]
But I understand. [ He leans back, a wan smile crossing his face. ] I'm not sure I would stay here either even if I had the choice.
no subject
Guess we'll have to live our lives here to the fullest before going back to do even more paperwork.
[ it's supposed to be a joke, but now she's dreading about the amount of observation logs she'll have to do UGHHHHH. she stretches her arms, fighting back the urge to lie down. not her fault it's comfy here, and it's because she wants to stay comfy that she's going to change the topic a little. ]
Speaking of paperwork... Does this mean we could visit the Fortress sometime? [ since she doesn't want him to visit her hometown yet, they've got no choice but to explore more of fontaine in his perspective. sorry, king. she sounds a little excited, too. ] And before you start fussing over me, I could handle an underwater prison just fine.
[ hmph. ]
what happened to your tag break
[ Hello?? Of all the places she could have asked to see.
A crease forms between his brows as he frowns down at her, puzzlement clear as day in all the lines of his face. As far as prisons go, the Fortress is relatively tame, closer to a gigantic factory than anything else, but it's certainly never been anyone's idea of a fun destination trip. Except for maybe Charlotte, but reporters are a nosy weird bunch that honestly shouldn't be included. ]
Sure, but are you sure that's what you want to see? It's pretty gloomy down there.
[ And also hella damp..... ]
STOP i finished at least one movie ok 🥺
So was the Pequod, but you don't see me complaining. That's the name of the ship I was employed in, by the way.
[ and that too has been put to rest under the sea. ]
I'm just curious, is all. Unless you want me to commit a crime just for you to give me a tour?
[ a cheeky grin. it's joke, but she can definitely do that if needed hehe. ]
starts up the next one for you
It wouldn't be the first time someone's tried to pull that off.
[ Some people are so desperate....
One more sigh and then he's sitting back up, arms stretching above his head and his twisting from side to side. The name Pequod gets rolled around in his mind briefly before being tucked away for later. ]
But I'd rather you not break the law just to get a peek at the Fortress's secrets. I'll give you a tour, free of charge. [ It's his turn to grin right back at Ishmael. ] Consider it a perk of having a personal relationship with the administrator of the Fortress of Meropide.
[ Friends, he really could have just said friends. ]
ok you gotta choose between wuthering heights and fallout for me
[ some people commit crimes for the thrill factor, among other things. though it should be hard to sneak into a prison located miles underwater, right? what's the point of putting it down there, then.
but also, the mention of having a personal relationship with him took her out a little. she's not that deluded (at least not right now), but she's not going to correct him on that either 😳 ]
Wow. You really do sound like a big deal. [ not that it matters here anymore, but she's floored anyway. ] I'm honored, though. I don't know what this former desk worker did to get your attention, but... Thanks.
[ she's going to continue smiling at him anyway just to kill him slowly, dimly realizing that she's been doing that a lot more. it's a weird feeling, but not at all unwelcome. ]
wuthering heights for your projmoon needs
Though it's kind of embarrassing when she frames things like that, even if she's technically right, and he glances away momentarily. ]
I did tell you I was an inmate before I took over, didn't I? I wouldn't consider myself anything special. Anyone else could have done what I did.
[ Maybe it seems that way on the outside to anyone looking in, but he's always seen himself as more of a necessary tool for improvement than any sort of real leader. Everything he's ever done has been out of a desire for change and not any sense of self-satisfaction or personal pride.
Not to mention: ]
And I wouldn't call you any ordinary desk worker either. How many people sail out into treacherous waters brimming with sea monsters and live to tell the tale?
[ Though sorry to accidentally touch upon your survivor's guilt, queen. He leans over a little, index finger reaching out to tap lightly at one of the scars across her knuckles, the smile on his face softening. ]
I'd say perseverence and strength of will is far more important than some fancy title tossed around.
🥹 okay....
and he just had to touch upon that. ishmael's brows knit together despite knowing that he means well - he always does - but she can't help but think that those traits he mentioned can be taken advantage of as well. her old captain sure did just that when she was still aboard the ship, and there's no forgetting those words anytime soon -- that everything is her fault. ]
You're right, but we're both downplaying ourselves here. Because... I do think you're special. I said it before, didn't I? It's rare for me to find people like you. And...
[ she looks down, then boldly takes his hand on both her own. it's hard to tell whose hand has more scars, or which one is coarser to hold. either way: ]
We both don't deserve what happened to us. We only persevered because we had no other choice. I wish... we didn't have to go through that before coming here.
i really wrote so much in this tag and for what
This might just be VR, a hyperrealistic projection of their thoughts and memories, but he swears he can still feel the warmth of her hand against his, the callouses of her fingers against his own equally rough skin. His eyes dip down and linger on the sight of their joined hands, the last of his smile slipping off his face to be as Ishmael twists his words around. And rightfully so; there's nothing incorrect about what she's said. ]
No, you're right. [ Slowly, solemnly. ] We shouldn't have had to go through what we did.
[ Even if he still doesn't know the full breadth of the horrors she'd seen, her actions and reactions now speak for themselves. More than the physical scars are the psychological ones carved deep into their souls, never fully able to heal despite the endless passage of time.
And yet....
His eyes linger on his hand another second before he carefully tugs it free. His fingers itch with the urge to thread through her hair and rest against her cheek. More than that, it would be so easy to close what little remaining distance there is between them and give in to the urge that's permanently lodged itself in the back of his mind. And so he does.
Just kidding, the intrusive thoughts don't win this time. He does, however, wrap both his arms around her, just tight enough for the hug to be recognized for what it is. There's still a bit of awkwardness to it, a lingering sense of stiffness from a lack of practice. ]
Even so, I'm glad you did persevere. The world is a brighter place with you in it.
[ Like literally because of her hair but also figuratively. ]
now THIS is heterosexual wagyu
besides, this hug has taken her by surprise either way. her eyes widen as she's engulfed in his arms, thankful that they're sitting down like this because her knees would've buckled from the sudden physical contact alone. wriothesley may feel awkward and stiff despite the effort, but the fact that he went all in without being requested to do so has melted her heart a little. even more so with those words whispered in her ear.
the world is a brighter place with you in it, he says. crazy to think that once upon a time, she'd had plans to vanish completely into the sea after she'd dealt with her own defined evils. if she'd gone through with it, if dante hadn't stopped her in the nick of time... she wouldn't be here in his arms today, being held like she's the most precious thing in the world.
she swallows, adjusting her head so that she's hiding his face on the crook of his neck. her hands gingerly come up to embrace him in return, fingernails digging into his back as she tries to hold it in. the first time they hugged, it was only out of convenience - to exchange body heat and nothing more. but now, this meant something a lot more, especially since she'd initially thought she'd never get to embrace someone like this again. ]
...Thank you.
[ she's so close to shifting onto his lap as she craves more of his touch, but im also going to hold back on that too :/
but if she sounds a little choked up just now, no you didn't. if he could feel the tiniest of dampness from her eyes whenever she adjusts her head in some way, it's probably all in his imagination. friends hug each other like this all time, after all. ]
For staying alive with me.
[ except... she wants more of him, now. ]