transmit | inbox / purgastory.

[ ugh. he should have let him leave... ]

I just wanted to make sure you are fine. That's all. A lot has happened the past few days.

Do you realise the hypocrisy of that when you aren't even taking care of yourself?

[ yeah he really should've ]

I'll survive. I didn't think you'd come to me.

[ things were weirdly intimate in a way i am now scared to rp again in case val broadcasts it to the entire game again. ]

[ everything is now paywalled ]

You failed the trust exercise, Thorns.

[ ...

he walks over to grab him by the wrist. ]

Can you tell me more about what happened?

[ He looks down at their hands… ]

On the expedition, you mean? What else did you want to know?

[ it's not his wrist so it's fine. ]

If you remembered anything else for it.

[ what is this supposed to mean. ]

I don't think what happened to us can apply to everything else going forward. The three that came back a few days ago… they apparently made it all the way over to Calais-Blason in Victoria.

[ that's not why he's asking.

but he knows elysium isn't going to want to share. ]

So we weren't imagining their appearance...

Goes to show I know my brands! I knew clothes like that had to come from some of our finest. I haven't had the chance to check if any of them have had exposure to Originium, but it does seem like Miss Fiammetta's closer to them so I've been leaving it in her capable hands.

[ …

A beat, and he twists his wrist to wrap his hand around Thorns'. ]

But that's not what you really wanted to hear from me, was it? I thought you'd appreciate the update regardless.

... Thanks.

[ he's not particularly close to any of them, so he's difficult to reach out. ]

I just want to make sure that you're good.

[ they do tend to let the other keep to themselves, but that's in their own world where they understand how things work. this place is different. ]

As much as I insist I am, it doesn't seem to convince anyone. What can we do, though? There's only moving forward.

What I remember doesn't change anything about what I told you.

If you're sure.

[ he'll let that particular subject drop.

... before moving onto another potentially awkward one. ]

Each week... have you felt like you've been making progress here?

[ … Oh.

His grip instinctively tightens. ]

Yeah. There's a box by the river with your name on it. Have you had the chance to take a look?

Mm. Mine's not open yet.

[ this should not be a surprise because the idea of thorns going to someone and asking them on a date or for a kiss is kind of laughable. ]

… Yeah, and that's exactly why you shouldn't be spending so much time at the lab.

[ A sigh that could only be made in fondness. I will not assume who's in Thorns' shard, but

you know. What do you think he was doing with those hours he'd left Thorns and Fiammetta on read? There's a pause——he's rummaging through his bag. ]

You didn't even notice it'd been taken? The one with your name on it? Yeah it is. [ … ] Here. It didn't feel right opening it myself. I was going to wait until you were feeling better, but you really don't look like you're planning to rest any time soon. [ under his breath: ] … Tonto.

[ Enjoy your free normal-sized regain… ]

Oh.

[ it's all he can really say at first as the meaning clicks into place. thorns looks down at the box then at elysium as he tries to think of a response before settling on something more lighthearted at first. ]

Who did you go on a date with?

Hak. It was the worst date of my life so you better appreciate this.

[ wow...

what a funny choice. well, if you definitely want to make sure the date is platonic, that's who to go to. ]

Uh huh. You've had others to compare it to.

[ no wonder he was so knowledgeable about crushes... ]

[ He's really just assuming Elysium won't just kiss someone or engage in an act of intimacy? Damn. ]

A guy gets curious.

[ … ]

You aren't going to take it? [ don't make this awkward… ]

[ well. elysium could do those things, but it is much easier to ask about a friend date.

there's a pause, before he will reach out to take it. ]

...

[ okay. ]

Do you want to try opening your other one? If that date with Hak counted for anything, I'd say just about anything would. It was a good measure for their standards, if nothing else…

Maybe.

[ he is not opening this one, instead just looking at the box before turning his gaze back to elysium. ]

Do you think you're going to find what you're looking for?

You'd find me to hold hands, but you don't want to go on a date with me? C'mon. We can just go to the library and read.

[ You made him take so much psychic damage on that date and for what… ]

I think so. [ He already knows so. ] You?

Mm.

[ he sets the box on the side of the bed. ]

Let's go on a date then.

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