rp post

[excontractu]

for offscreen interaction 

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[selfdissecting]

[ flinches ]

I am not-- [ and they fade out, helpless, because he's right. he's right. ] ...a minion.

It kills me to see them like this.

[algorithmage]

We'll fix 'em. If Valary, Leander, and Clementine were fixable, anyone is.

[selfdissecting]

[ he's right.

they move a bit closer so they can speak quieter ]

I may need reminding.

[algorithmage]

I don't mind reminding you.

[selfdissecting]

I get—hopeless, I get caught up in my head. Plans only help so much.

[algorithmage]

Just lean on people. We'll get through.

[selfdissecting]

[ so long as I don't lean too hard. ]

Right. You're right.

[algorithmage]

The other Fixers are your friends. So they want to help you. Just keep that in mind.

[selfdissecting]

They are my coworkers.

[ this time, though, it is weaker; Maeve hesitates. Ivan's thrilled mind-speak when they appeared in Castle Valiant's ballroom. Lysander escorting them home from work. Tandy's requisition.

not that Johannes can tell that there's any change in interpretation. for him, this is the first time hearing this. ]

My friends do not stick around for long. Historically speaking.

[algorithmage]

C'mon. They're your friends. They're just all really weird people so it's hard to tell sometimes. But they're your friends. Maybe it's worth some effort to make sure they do stick.

[selfdissecting]

[ :x ]

I am. Trying.

[algorithmage]

Great. Then it sounds like you have a good shot at keeping them.

[selfdissecting]

[ they gather themselves. smile. ]

You are friends with Tandy, right?

1/2

[algorithmage]

[algorithmage]

[blanks his expression,]

Sure. They're fun.

/2

[selfdissecting]

[selfdissecting]

You have done fun things together?

[algorithmage]

Um, we went to Panera?

[selfdissecting]

[ there exists a freckle of envy. right, because normal people can do mundane things like go out to eat ]

Really? When?

[algorithmage]

Right after I got finished with being kidnapped. I was starving.

[selfdissecting]

[ they kinda wish they still felt that pang, but ] And it was fun?

[algorithmage]

I mean, it was a fast-casual experience with a budget of twenty dollars, and I hadn't slept in a couple days, but yeah, I had a good time.

[selfdissecting]

That's good.

[ he won't have seen them like this before; just guilelessly cheered. it's still Maeve, though, so it's a muted cheer. ]

I think they will be really happy you did that with them.

[algorithmage]

[FIXES HIS GAZE ON THE BLANK NOTEPAD FILE]

It was just lunch.

[selfdissecting]

I am not sure that changes anything.