meritocracy | appointments

appointments

APPOINTMENTS FOR NATALIA
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"I will do everything in my power as the
Princess--no, as a citizen of Kimlasca."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

...Mm. [Asch follows her inside, scuffing snow off his boots and glancing around. He doesn't see her housemates- that should make things easier. The last thing he needs is Anise teasing him about a private visit or something.]

[she starts boiling the water]
Have a seat. We can talk as it makes.

[Asch nods, taking a brief glance around the kitchen before seating himself at the table, resting an arm against it. This is only the second time he's been to the house, and last time he'd only made it to the couch before he crashed. It's nice to be upright and healthy enough to walk without staggering around.

Smalltalk and beating around the bush have never been his strong suits, though, so.]

I'm being sent out on a mission today. I'll probably be gone most of the week.

[she pauses mid pouring of the hot water at that, but just like that resumes what she's doing. ]

Oh? What sort of mission?

It's nothing to worry about. [His tone is dismissive, though whether because it's the truth or because he doesn't want to tell it... it's difficult to say.] Keep an eye on Luke while I'm gone. He's liable to burn the apartment down if someone doesn't keep him in check.

[Which... is as close as he'll get to expressing concern, at this point.]

...Of course you'd say that. [wryly, before she offers a slight smile]
Aren't I more likely to burn something down, Asch? I admit I've improved but..yes, I know what you mean. I'll take care of him. [she lowers her eyes]
I don't doubt your abilities but..--you know I'll worry anyway, right? [she offers him a small smile]

...Hm. Do whatever you want.

[Asch shrugs it off; it bothers him that she's going to fret even the slightest bit, but he should really know better by now. It's just how she is, in particular - though he doesn't like to admit it - when it comes to him.]

There's something else. This month, February, has some kind of special holiday that the Malnosso use for their own entertainment, usually at our expense. Be careful.

An event? What sort of holiday? [she turns to eye him warily over her shoulder]
I have no interest in being used as some sort of toy.

Neither do I. This one happens every year- people are forced to- [....B-blush. He's trying to hide it, but... it's been awkward.] ...Temporarily... fall in love.

[GREAT SCOTT SHE DROPS HER TEA SPOON. EXCEPT NOT REALLY SHE JUST SORT OF OPENS HER MOUTH LIKE WHOA. ]

...Oh..my.

Yeah. So you should be careful. [SO VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. After four years he's been through enough of these to be wary.]

..I'll keep it in mind.
[she flushes a bit more delicately]
Goodness..this place really is beyond words.

...Yeah. You have to be careful about who you talk to this week. Avoid Van and Sync, especially.

[He can't imagine the awkwardness if- ...ugh.]

...[she just stares at him as her face sort of blanches, walking towards him with a cup of tea. yes, it smells good. look she has to not kill people while living here okay. ]

But you'll be unaffected since you're going on a mission, correct?

...I assume that's the case. [And if it's not, then he's screwed, because he'll be stuck in love with either robots, their captors, or an enemy... none of those are acceptable options.]

..I'm glad to hear that. I'd like you to be spared at least. [so honestly said, as she smiles a little, staring down at her teacup]

...I hope they'll leave you alone as well. [If someone screws around with her feelings, he'll be awfully peeved.]

Either way, I'll be fine. I won't allow myself to be used too deeply even if I were. [she offers him a reassuring smile]

How much time do you have until you must leave?

[Oh, Natalia. Strong as ever. He has to duck his head to hide the slight smile.]

A few hours at most.

..Would you mind spending some of that time here? I'd like to hear how you've been.

[she folds her hands together]
It's been a while since we've spoken like this.

...Alright. [When she's asking with that look on her face, he can't really say no, can he?] I don't have anywhere else I need to go.

[You certainly can't. She just smiles. ]

Then I suppose I'm fortunate today. [she tilts her head]
What have you been up to?

Very little. [Trying to figure out how to deal with a dying replica.] It's... been a while. [Since he saw her, anyway.]

..It has. [she glances down at her hands briefly, before she looks up.]
I'm sorry for that. I--I think I needed some time to adjust.

There's nothing to apologize, Natalia. I was- [-Dead-] ...gone. It was expected.

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