thusia | (no subject)

(no subject)

Who: Anyone
When: Day 63, Early afternoon
Where: Around
What: Mingle

[So Efforts by Zexion have produced a small wall around the third and fourth level staircases, directing water down to Level 2, which at this rate is going to start flooding up and out of level 2 within the next few days. But on the bright side, this has stemmed a lot of the water running across the floors of level 4, so it's just a large wet slick instead of a shallow pond.

There is also a large sheet of paper up on the wall of Level 3's common area, for distributing information and ideas about how to deal with the increasingly concerning problems affecting the HQ.

But if you're not into all of that, a library has appeared on level 4. Hopefully it doesn't get flooded out in a week!

As it is the rain continues to pour, waters rise and problems do not get smaller, but for this moment nothing terribly dramatic is happening.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm sure everyone misses it.

..... I just hope they're okay.

They are. Definitely.

....

Yes, you're right. They're definitely okay.

Ah, but this isn't really the topic I had hoped for when I came over. I was gonna ask you about gifts.

[Seems a little too relieved for a change in subject.]

Gifts?

[Little fidget.]

... Look, I still don't like the other Alma. I actually kind of hate him. But he gave me some things recently... [Touches the pocket of his jacket kind of unconsciously, fingering the zipper a bit.]

.... I'm trying to give people a second chance. It's not something I do very often, so I'm kind of at a loss of what to do..?

[Gives him a light smile.]

You're still allowed to be angry at someone even if you've decided to give them another chance.

I don't think that's going to change anytime soon, really.

But I was trying to think of something I could give him back. Something I could have someone else give to him.... I'm not ready to give him a real chance right now.

Alma. If you aren't ready, then you don't need to feel as if you have to return anything to him. Don't do that until you're sure. Otherwise neither of you gain anything from it.

But I don't like owing anybody anything!

It isn't a debt unless you look at it that way!`

I'm not willing to look at it another way!

Then I don't know what to tell you. You can give him whatever you'd like, but until you've healed enough, it will still feel like something's owed.

....

[Reaches up to smooth some of his hair back.]

I'm sorry. I'm really no help at this, am I?

It's not that... I...

I'm not good at this sort of thing. I can't let go of this just yet.

You shouldn't, not until you're ready.

What did he give you?

[Touching his lips momentarily. The sandwich is all eaten after all.] A jar of mayonnaise.

And... [No, exo asked for that part, so it doesn't count. Does it? He hurt the other him when he asked... But he did offer something in exchange it was turned down. So. There's nothing to make up for that.]

I know it's stupid, but it's my... our favorite food. [And after being inside his head... it was too familiar. Too much like stepping inside himself--which is a terrifying thought.]

I'm still mad and ... I don't trust him not to hurt people. But...

[Looks down at her sandwich.

It's still barely bitten into.

She shakes her head.]

It isn't stupid. No, something like that never is. If you really want to give him something in return, do something that you know he'll appreciate. Give him a book, maybe.

I... can't really do books right now...

Maybe I can do that later though.

Ah, well. I don't really know much else about what he might like.

I.. know what I would like?

I just don't know how much of that is the same.

Maybe I should just get him some pants.

[A lot more is the same than he thinks. She neglects to say as much aloud.]

Mm, you could try pants.

[Probably a good thing to leave unsaid. He's uncomfortable enough with his discussion.]

It's kind of.... Ugh. It's kind of stupid--but it's really embarrassing that a double of myself is wandering around stark naked?

[You know, she had never considered it like that...]

Ah, well— he's an Akuma, so it's not really the same?