roxana for endgame!!!! (aspirational)

[hasteful]

Comments

[disingenuous]

As long as you try and you show that you are, that's all I can ask.

[ It's not really like she's out here to change him. There are multiple different things she could say that die on her lips. How being human, how to be human doesn't really make anyone better, and how some humans can be tools forged for the protection and battle of others all the same. ]

It all comes down to choice. What you can choose and what you end up choosing. That shows what you learn.

[hasteful]

[he nods along with that, laughing a little bit]

Is that how it works - alright, I think I understand better now. It'd be a shame to have this body and not be able to exercise some of that choice.

[ . . . well, though that does remind him of something. he's gotten to being more honest now that profiles have been released, but he can't help but wonder if that's limited to just him - ]

Can I ask you a question, Ro-san? You don't have to answer.

[disingenuous]

Never take choice for granted.

[ She gives a small nod. ]

Go ahead.

[hasteful]

Are the items on your profile the reason why you thought I wouldn't like to learn about you?

[he knows how it looks - 'theft, murder, fraud, manipulation' aren't exactly kind words]

[disingenuous]

Most don't like people who engage in underground activities. They aren't untrue.

[hasteful]

"Underground"...

Hmm... That's probably true. Has anyone given you any trouble over it since they've found out?

[disingenuous]

No. [ Not yet. ] There are a few people out there with similar items in their skills. I don't expect anything right now.

[hasteful]

[nodding! and his shoulders relax a little - he likes roxana enough that he doesn't want her to get bothered even if her profile says she gaslights people... whatever that is!]

Well... I don't know if it's much of a surprise anymore then, good or bad -

But for what it's worth, I can't say learning about all that made me like you any less.

[disingenuous]

[ She takes a moment to respond, mulling it over. It isn't a surprise, but she wonders, if because Buzen isn't human, if because he's still learning how to be human, that it makes him more accepting.

Her voice is soft. ]

I won't discourage you from liking me. I'd prefer it. Like me for as long as you can, Buzen. Can you?

[hasteful]

[easily:]

I don't see why not. I feel like it'll be less of a hardship than you're suggesting.

[ . . . well, that said.]

... you must be carrying some really heavy things, Ro-san.

[disingenuous]

[ That gets a small chuckle. ]

There isn't anything that heavy. I've made choices, and I'm living because of them.

[hasteful]

Ah... So you made your choices for survival?

[disingenuous]

Among other things.

[hasteful]

[vague................. well,

buzen just nods. it's not up to him or anyone else to say whether or not her reasons are good enough, no matter what they are]

... well, I'm glad you're alive. Though I hope that your future choices might be a little lighter - like what place you get to travel to next, or what sight you want to see.

It sounds like you've earned a little more peace.

[disingenuous]

[ That stirs up some conflicting feelings, and it flickers across her features for the briefest moment.

She settles on a smile. ]

Thank you for your kind wishes. [ ... ] I'll say this much. It depends on how soon or if we're able to leave here, but... at home, my next choice was going to make things better for my family.

[hasteful]

[the face she makes manages to get buzen to tilt his head - enough to inquire, though he doesn't outright voice his question.]

We're going to be able to leave here. I don't plan on just letting all of you remain somewhere you don't want to be.

... can I ask how? Is your family alright?

[disingenuous]

Before coming here, I was leaving a peace summit because my eldest brother launched a rebellion against my father.

[ Her expression is a bit rueful. Her family isn't alright, but it is what it is. ]

[hasteful]

[buzen raises his brows at that - it's not unfamiliar, considering how often family spats ruined lineages in history, but it's not like he has any family himself to truly understand the situation]

I'm sorry to hear it. What are they disagreeing about?

[disingenuous]

[ Well, what she is about to say isn't anything novel for any noble lineage. ]

He is sore because my father won't choose him for his heir.

[hasteful]

Ah jeeze, a succession dispute...

[yeah, he's definitely heard of that before]

Who is the heir? Is it you, Ro-san?

[he knows daughters normally aren't but maybe she's not from japan! maybe it's different!]

[disingenuous]

[ Oh, dear. She can't help but laugh. ]

No, I've never been first in my father's eyes. It's the next eldest son. There is no love between my older brothers.

[hasteful]

Eh...

[his expression wrinkles a bit at that. hmmm. he's never met a woman before coming here but he really doesn't see why sons are so favored...]

And how are you feeling? Caught amidst other people's battles?

[disingenuous]

It's fine. It wasn't unexpected. That isn't the way my family is going to fall.

[ Her response is serene, sure in her answer. ]

[hasteful]

[nodding...]

Your family must be really important to you... They're lucky to have you.

I hope they realize that, even if you aren't named heir.

[disingenuous]

It's all right. I've never aimed to be the heir.

[ She smiles. ]

Thank you, Buzen. You're sweet. Has anyone told you that?