[ the number of gaians in erku seems to increase with each new batch of arrivals. it's rapidly becoming more and more complicated as turks and former SOLDIERS continue to show up, all from varying points in the timeline. he tries to keep a watchful eye on the coming and goings of the city's inhabitants, but alas, he is only one man, bound to miss someone.
fortunately, zack and sephiroth have left the city for the time being, so there is at least one less problem he has to contend with.
his time on the island these past two months have swung back and forth between frustrating and uncomfortable. it hasn't been easy trying to adapt to this world; it hasn't been easy keeping the tumult within him in check. with each day that passes and every new problem that arises, he feels the grasp of his control slip bit by bit.
maybe he is a little in over his head with, well, everything that's happening. unfortunately, he is unable to let go, burdened by a sense of responsibility and guilt. he is going to have to work towards a better plan than the one currently in place before matters worsen beyond repair.
perched on a railing of an abandoned building, he watches the streets below him as he ruminates on his thoughts. a desolate city illuminated by the luminescent glow of the moon, movement soon catches his eyes as a brunette with a long braid and a distinct pink ribbon tied to her hair rounds a corner. every single cell in his body seems to freeze at the sight of her.
it couldn't be.
βand yet, with both zack fair and sephiroth here, the likelihood of her being alive on this island wouldn't be outside of the realm of possibility. he just... never thought that it would happen; if anything, he was hoping that it wouldn't. the nameless city isn't the kind of place for any of his friends, old or new. but now that she is an inescapable reality, he can't simply let her walk off, not without making sure it really is the same girl he came to know. soundlessly, he leaps down from the infrastructure, landing on the ground a couple of feet away from her.
he doesn't know what he should say or how he should approach her. it... hasn't gone so well for him with the others, particularly cloud. ]
Aerith. [ a soft, yet pronounced utter of a name long buried as he watches her back steadfastly. ]
[ She's only been here a few days, and already Aerith feels overwhelmed. There's so much going on in the Nameless City that she doesn't think she can even begin to comprehend. She's sleeping in a shack on the beach, there are checkboxes in squares that were empty before, and people on the bracelet's network have been spending the last couple of days discussing an up-and-coming orgy. All this, when just a few days ago they were leaving the steel sky of Midgar in search of Sephiroth. It's a lot to take in.
Also a lot to take in is the voice from behind her, one she doesn't immediately recognize as she turns around to face its source. She doesn't recall ever meeting him before in her life, this man with his pale skin, his tattered red cloak and long, dark hair held in place with a bandanna in the same shade of scarlet. And yet, he seems to know her.
She almost questions him, something polite and distant, I'm sorry, but do I know you?, but then her searching green eyes alight on the red ribbon tied onto his left gauntlet, and her heart sinks in her chest.
A mission. A prayer. A sword. Meteor. The images have never been clear, but she knows. She's known for a while what's meant to happen. Perhaps even has to happen. What did happen, before. At least from where he stands. She takes a small step forward, the smile on her lips genuine even if it's tinged with feelings she can't even put into words in her own head. ]
You know me, right? [ A pause, and she shakes her head. Ugh, how is she meant to put something like this into words...?
Deep breath. ]
Let me try again: You knew me, before I died. You tried to help us stop Sephiroth. But... [ Her frown deepens. ] That's all in the future for me. I... I can't hear your name.
[ Another few steps forward, to bridge the gap between them, and she holds out her hand for him to shake, as bizarre as the whole thing might perhaps be for someone as far from her future as he. ]
vincent's life has been haunted by them. from loved ones to comrades, he has time and time again been confronted with the mercilessness of death, including his own. most of them lacked any real closure for him. they were sudden and unanticipated, rarely with a chance for him to say goodbye.
they were either beyond his control or entirely his fault.
aerith's death landed somewhere squarely in the middle and, true to his nature, vincent never came to terms with it. he has never been able to cope with any of the losses in his life, from the death of his mother when he was only a boy to his father in his twenties. they were simply buried deep within the recesses of his heart, only brought forth to remind him of his failures through dreams. the red ribbon tied to his gauntlet arm not only symbolizes remembrance of a lost friend but it is also a reminder of his sin.
there is no recognition in the eyes that look at him now, yet oddly enough, she seems to know of her fate. how is that possible though if she is from the past?
quashing down whatever emotion is threatening to erupt, he stills his expression into one of neutral detachment, reaching out to clasp her hand in his own for a quick, yet firm shake. ] Vincent Valentine. [ he lets go of her, lowering his arm to his side, as he regards her curiously. ] How... is it that you're aware?
[ It's a fair question, one to which Aerith herself can't even be completely sure of the answer. As her hand falls back to her side, she offers the man in front of her a small, apologetic smile. She'd tell him it's nice to meet him, but that might be too weird. ]
If I could tell you, I would. I've just... always known things.
[ And since the Whispers appeared, it feels like she's known even more than normal. But she doesn't think that will make a whole lot of sense to Vincent, and so for now, it goes unsaid. ]
I don't know everything, [ she continues, as if that will somehow make this strange, bitter pill easier for him to swallow. ] But I know that I die. That Sephiroth kills me. That's why you're wearing the ribbon, right? He wears one too, in theβ in your time.
[ What a strange conversation. And yet she can't help but feel that no matter how odd it is for her, it can only be worse for him. Talking to someone he knows is long gone... and yet here she is, standing right in front of him, living and breathing and...
A thought occurs to her, a frown creasing her brows. ]
Cloud... He doesn't know, right?
[ He shouldn't. As far as she can tell, they've come from a similar moment in time, not the distant future of which Vincent is a part. (Of which she never will be.) ]
oh, sweetie. your complicated isn't even getting you laid? that's the best part of complicated.
( only good part, if you ask her. complicated relationships often contributed to great sex, that's the only thing they had going for them. )
okay, no more complicated talk. let's forget the complicated. what are your thoughts on drinking and dancing? that's the best way to forget pretty much anything.
[ Something that if she's honest with herself, Aerith really needs. (Not that she'll ever admit it to anyone else even if she did admit it to herself.) ]
Oh! I've seen it. I just haven't been in. But if there's drinking and dancing, then I'm in. Gotta enjoy ourselves, right?
[ Honestly, if Aerith had it her way, she'd be wearing red, not pink. She loves her pink, of course she does, but when it comes to evening wear? Her favorite is definitely that piece Madame M bestowed on her for her meeting with Don Corneo. Probably, at some point, she should ask the Augur, see if she can't get some version of it over here. Still, she's got something cute enough to wear, definitely pink, and there's a bright smile on her lips when she shows up outside the Dive. When it comes to things she needs, a relaxing night out is high on the list.
More reasons that a color other than pink might have been better. But that's thought pushed aside for now. She's here to have fun, not to worry. To drink and dance and... well. Other things were discussed too, weren't they?
The problem with being alone for too long is that Aerith's mind tends to run off on its own, and with the situation as it is of late, said mind has a habit of being unpredictable. So it's a relief when she spies Carmilla coming toward her, standing on tip-toe despite the heels of her strappy shoes and greeting her with a wave. ]
( they're of like minds. nothing like a bit of blood red to say you're looking to have a good night. case in point, Carmilla isn't quite the cliche she usually is, and is wearing red herself. thanks to velvet being on her card, she has bullied dispensers constantly for new clothes. it's cold enough these days she appreciates the extra warmth of velvet, too. she doesn't generate much of her own heat, after all.
Carmilla is not usually one to be early, but hey, for particularly pretty girls she'll make an exception. she offers Aerith a smile too, pleased despite herself. Aerith was pretty as it was, but all dolled up? she's impressed. )
Hi there, gorgeous. ( Aerith opted for heels, which seems to be the only reason she's got a little height on her. fuck it, though — she lifts on her own toes to press a kiss to Aerith's cheek. ) What do you think — drinks before dancing?
[ In the morning, Aerith will find a present on her doorstep once she steps outside her home: a planter of peach, yellow and purple roses. There's also a card next to them.]
Thanks for the help with my injuries and the pleasant conversation. Here's a new addiction to your growing garden. P.S.: careful with the thorns.
[ Speaking of impressed - there's a lift of Aerith's brows when Carmilla actually gets up close, a hint of red on her cheeks, though whether it's before or after the kiss pressed to her cheek, she's not sure she can say. The other woman is beautiful in a completely different way to when they met on the beach, and it's enough to cause some embarrassment, especially with what they've talked about before.
That's not meant to be the focus right now, and yet her brain keeps drifting back to it, curiosity and nervousness teaming up to keep her thoughts engaged. ]
Drinks, dancing, then maybe more drinks?
[ Perhaps it's the nervousness that leads to her response, even as a bright smile forms on her lips after the words are spoken. She's not suggesting blackout drunk, of course, but just enough to take the edge - of nervousness, but also of complication - off. ]
[ His sense of humor might be terrible, but it's an attempt which she nonetheless appreciates; most of the people she knows here aren't the particularly funny type. ]
I'll transplant them to the garden patch, and I should be able to get seeds from them too!
[ He can make somewhat better jokes, promise. But that silly one was too obvious to pass. ]
I figured you'd like to do that, it's why I sent you a plantar instead of just cutting the flowers. The rest of the rose bushes can be found in front of the House of Worship if you ever want to give them a look. I'm going to need your advice to keep them healthy, I'm not an expert gardener.
( true, she'd not exactly been dressed to the nines on an overcrowded, overheated beach — vampires and direct sun didn't mix, even if Carmilla wasn't the type to literally melt after sun exposure. tonight she's dressed intending to impress, and she's never been subtle about dressing up for girls she's interested in.
she skipped the corset and leather pants this time around, though. and not just because the last time she tried that combo she got tied to a chair for two weeks. Aerith is a lady, beautiful and soft and rosy all over — she can tone down the angry goth on rare occasion to properly suit her company. Carmilla has intentionally dressed more approachable, warm and welcoming, even. she doesn't expect anything but drinks and dancing, but nobody ever said she couldn't make the prospect of more than that tempting.
she laughs, a warm smoky rumble, at the suggestion. ) My kinda girl. ( drinks before and after, huh? sounds like a plan to her. she catches Aerith's hand and winds their fingers together to lure her toward the bar. ) Just be careful with the A label, they make it to get you hot under the collar. ( while the warning might be against the interest of warming Aerith up to the idea of another girl, Carmilla isn't interested in forcing things. aphros were only fun when you knew they were coming. )
[ She's not really the type to brag, but she definitely takes some pride in the fact that flowers manage to grow in the only two places in the Slums where she cares for them. ]
Tell me when you're free, okay? I'm working on getting this garden together, so you can come and help me and learn at the same time!
[ The warning is one that Aerith certainly appreciates; the few times she's been under the influence of aphro or similar since arriving in the Nameless City have not had good lasting effects on her, even if they were good in the moment. If anything happens with Carmilla, she would prefer not to have doubts about it, to not look back with questions or foggy memories. So she nods, offering the other a smile. ]
Thanks. I think I'll stay away from that one this time. [ She tilts her head, her words thoughtful as she continues. She doesn't know how to explain it. ] I don't really like being out of control, if that makes sense.
[ Still, she holds Carmilla's hand tight as they thread through toward the bar. Drinking and dancing while still being able to keep her head - it sounds like a good time to her at least, especially with someone as friendly as the other.
Although, it occurs to her that she really doesn't know a whole lot about the other woman yet, and so once they're seated at the bar a few moments later, she turns to her, a tilt of her head betraying her curiosity. ]
Thank you. I'm free most days, really. Just let me know when you'll be at the garden and I will come over.
[ She should totally brag. Peter knows that taking care of plants is hard work, even if those don't talk back to you or refuse to clean their room like Groot does. ]
I feel like you keep doing me favors, Aerith, I'm forever going to be in debt with you. Can I invite you to dinner one night to compensate it?
It makes sense. ( Carmilla is very much the same, in fact, she more than simply does not like being out of control. she despises it, hates it. too much of her existence was forcibly out of her hands, at the whims of her Maman or her parents or Vordenberg or anyone else that had treated her like a possession instead of a person. now that she's on her own, now that she's free to do what she wants and only what she wants, with no need to consider input or commands from anyone else... even the slightest lapse in that freedom stings.
it's happened enough here that she actively avoids it. and does what she can to help other girls avoid it, too.
that said, admitting her hangups on control and her natural cat vamp tendency to constantly dance along the line of losing it would really hinder her careless, sulty vibe. so of course she doesn't mention why she understands. just that she does.
then she focuses on finding them a relatively quiet spot, demanding attention from one of the robot bartenders, and settling near Aerith as she finds a spot on a barstool. Carmilla stands next to her, leaning slightly on the bar and more towards her company. because it keeps them close, and while she could say it's the noise it's mostly because she wants to be close that keeps her there. ) What do you want to know? ( telling people about herself is not exactly one of her stronger suits. give her a place to start, cutie. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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fortunately, zack and sephiroth have left the city for the time being, so there is at least one less problem he has to contend with.
his time on the island these past two months have swung back and forth between frustrating and uncomfortable. it hasn't been easy trying to adapt to this world; it hasn't been easy keeping the tumult within him in check. with each day that passes and every new problem that arises, he feels the grasp of his control slip bit by bit.
maybe he is a little in over his head with, well, everything that's happening. unfortunately, he is unable to let go, burdened by a sense of responsibility and guilt. he is going to have to work towards a better plan than the one currently in place before matters worsen beyond repair.
perched on a railing of an abandoned building, he watches the streets below him as he ruminates on his thoughts. a desolate city illuminated by the luminescent glow of the moon, movement soon catches his eyes as a brunette with a long braid and a distinct pink ribbon tied to her hair rounds a corner. every single cell in his body seems to freeze at the sight of her.
it couldn't be.
βand yet, with both zack fair and sephiroth here, the likelihood of her being alive on this island wouldn't be outside of the realm of possibility. he just... never thought that it would happen; if anything, he was hoping that it wouldn't. the nameless city isn't the kind of place for any of his friends, old or new. but now that she is an inescapable reality, he can't simply let her walk off, not without making sure it really is the same girl he came to know. soundlessly, he leaps down from the infrastructure, landing on the ground a couple of feet away from her.
he doesn't know what he should say or how he should approach her. it... hasn't gone so well for him with the others, particularly cloud. ]
Aerith. [ a soft, yet pronounced utter of a name long buried as he watches her back steadfastly. ]
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Also a lot to take in is the voice from behind her, one she doesn't immediately recognize as she turns around to face its source. She doesn't recall ever meeting him before in her life, this man with his pale skin, his tattered red cloak and long, dark hair held in place with a bandanna in the same shade of scarlet. And yet, he seems to know her.
She almost questions him, something polite and distant, I'm sorry, but do I know you?, but then her searching green eyes alight on the red ribbon tied onto his left gauntlet, and her heart sinks in her chest.
A mission. A prayer. A sword. Meteor. The images have never been clear, but she knows. She's known for a while what's meant to happen. Perhaps even has to happen. What did happen, before. At least from where he stands. She takes a small step forward, the smile on her lips genuine even if it's tinged with feelings she can't even put into words in her own head. ]
You know me, right? [ A pause, and she shakes her head. Ugh, how is she meant to put something like this into words...?
Deep breath. ]
Let me try again: You knew me, before I died. You tried to help us stop Sephiroth. But... [ Her frown deepens. ] That's all in the future for me. I... I can't hear your name.
[ Another few steps forward, to bridge the gap between them, and she holds out her hand for him to shake, as bizarre as the whole thing might perhaps be for someone as far from her future as he. ]
So you'll have to tell me, okay?
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vincent's life has been haunted by them. from loved ones to comrades, he has time and time again been confronted with the mercilessness of death, including his own. most of them lacked any real closure for him. they were sudden and unanticipated, rarely with a chance for him to say goodbye.
they were either beyond his control or entirely his fault.
aerith's death landed somewhere squarely in the middle and, true to his nature, vincent never came to terms with it. he has never been able to cope with any of the losses in his life, from the death of his mother when he was only a boy to his father in his twenties. they were simply buried deep within the recesses of his heart, only brought forth to remind him of his failures through dreams. the red ribbon tied to his gauntlet arm not only symbolizes remembrance of a lost friend but it is also a reminder of his sin.
there is no recognition in the eyes that look at him now, yet oddly enough, she seems to know of her fate. how is that possible though if she is from the past?
quashing down whatever emotion is threatening to erupt, he stills his expression into one of neutral detachment, reaching out to clasp her hand in his own for a quick, yet firm shake. ] Vincent Valentine. [ he lets go of her, lowering his arm to his side, as he regards her curiously. ] How... is it that you're aware?
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If I could tell you, I would. I've just... always known things.
[ And since the Whispers appeared, it feels like she's known even more than normal. But she doesn't think that will make a whole lot of sense to Vincent, and so for now, it goes unsaid. ]
I don't know everything, [ she continues, as if that will somehow make this strange, bitter pill easier for him to swallow. ] But I know that I die. That Sephiroth kills me. That's why you're wearing the ribbon, right? He wears one too, in theβ in your time.
[ What a strange conversation. And yet she can't help but feel that no matter how odd it is for her, it can only be worse for him. Talking to someone he knows is long gone... and yet here she is, standing right in front of him, living and breathing and...
A thought occurs to her, a frown creasing her brows. ]
Cloud... He doesn't know, right?
[ He shouldn't. As far as she can tell, they've come from a similar moment in time, not the distant future of which Vincent is a part. (Of which she never will be.) ]
@elvira
hey, cutie. how are you settling in?
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[ She's pretty sure she remembers the username, but she wants to be completely certain. ]
I'm doing okay. It's been rough settling in, but things are getting better~
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yeah, this shithole does take some getting used to. but eventually you do. it helps when you're getting laid left and right, i notice
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Complicated, you know?
Like we talked about, I could definitely do with a little less of that.
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( only good part, if you ask her. complicated relationships often contributed to great sex, that's the only thing they had going for them. )
okay, no more complicated talk. let's forget the complicated. what are your thoughts on drinking and dancing? that's the best way to forget pretty much anything.
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[ Not just for forgetting things, either, but for fun. It really feels like she hasn't had anywhere near enough fun since she's arrived in the City. ]
Are there places we can do that here??
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sure. it's called the dive, and it definitely is one, but it has drinks and it has dancing. the whole island is a dive, so it's better than nothing.
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Oh! I've seen it. I just haven't been in.
But if there's drinking and dancing, then I'm in.
Gotta enjoy ourselves, right?
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so the question is: when works for you, sugar?
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I'm free whenever, really... is there a time that works best for you?
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( understatement... of.... the century... . . ... )
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Name a night, Carmilla, and I'm all yours~
[ The flirting is 100% accidental. ]
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okay. tomorrow, then.
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okay then. tomorrow.
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[ Honestly, if Aerith had it her way, she'd be wearing red, not pink. She loves her pink, of course she does, but when it comes to evening wear? Her favorite is definitely that piece Madame M bestowed on her for her meeting with Don Corneo. Probably, at some point, she should ask the Augur, see if she can't get some version of it over here. Still, she's got something cute enough to wear, definitely pink, and there's a bright smile on her lips when she shows up outside the Dive. When it comes to things she needs, a relaxing night out is high on the list.
More reasons that a color other than pink might have been better. But that's thought pushed aside for now. She's here to have fun, not to worry. To drink and dance and... well. Other things were discussed too, weren't they?
The problem with being alone for too long is that Aerith's mind tends to run off on its own, and with the situation as it is of late, said mind has a habit of being unpredictable. So it's a relief when she spies Carmilla coming toward her, standing on tip-toe despite the heels of her strappy shoes and greeting her with a wave. ]
Carmilla! Hi~~
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Carmilla is not usually one to be early, but hey, for particularly pretty girls she'll make an exception. she offers Aerith a smile too, pleased despite herself. Aerith was pretty as it was, but all dolled up? she's impressed. )
Hi there, gorgeous. ( Aerith opted for heels, which seems to be the only reason she's got a little height on her. fuck it, though — she lifts on her own toes to press a kiss to Aerith's cheek. ) What do you think — drinks before dancing?
Action-ish
Thanks for the help with my injuries and the pleasant conversation. Here's a new addiction to your growing garden.
P.S.: careful with the thorns.
-P.Q.
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That's not meant to be the focus right now, and yet her brain keeps drifting back to it, curiosity and nervousness teaming up to keep her thoughts engaged. ]
Drinks, dancing, then maybe more drinks?
[ Perhaps it's the nervousness that leads to her response, even as a bright smile forms on her lips after the words are spoken. She's not suggesting blackout drunk, of course, but just enough to take the edge - of nervousness, but also of complication - off. ]
text | un: petrichor
The roses are BEAUTIFUL, thank you so much! I'll take excellent care of them~
Permatext | un: Star-Lord
Since you were a florist, I figured I could contribute to your growing garden. Pun totally intended here.
[ His sense of humor is terrible, sorry girl. ]
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[ His sense of humor might be terrible, but it's an attempt which she nonetheless appreciates; most of the people she knows here aren't the particularly funny type. ]
I'll transplant them to the garden patch, and I should be able to get seeds from them too!
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[ He can make somewhat better jokes, promise. But that silly one was too obvious to pass. ]
I figured you'd like to do that, it's why I sent you a plantar instead of just cutting the flowers. The rest of the rose bushes can be found in front of the House of Worship if you ever want to give them a look. I'm going to need your advice to keep them healthy, I'm not an expert gardener.
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she skipped the corset and leather pants this time around, though. and not just because the last time she tried that combo she got tied to a chair for two weeks. Aerith is a lady, beautiful and soft and rosy all over — she can tone down the angry goth on rare occasion to properly suit her company. Carmilla has intentionally dressed more approachable, warm and welcoming, even. she doesn't expect anything but drinks and dancing, but nobody ever said she couldn't make the prospect of more than that tempting.
she laughs, a warm smoky rumble, at the suggestion. ) My kinda girl. ( drinks before and after, huh? sounds like a plan to her. she catches Aerith's hand and winds their fingers together to lure her toward the bar. ) Just be careful with the A label, they make it to get you hot under the collar. ( while the warning might be against the interest of warming Aerith up to the idea of another girl, Carmilla isn't interested in forcing things. aphros were only fun when you knew they were coming. )
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[ She's not really the type to brag, but she definitely takes some pride in the fact that flowers manage to grow in the only two places in the Slums where she cares for them. ]
Tell me when you're free, okay? I'm working on getting this garden together, so you can come and help me and learn at the same time!
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Thanks. I think I'll stay away from that one this time. [ She tilts her head, her words thoughtful as she continues. She doesn't know how to explain it. ] I don't really like being out of control, if that makes sense.
[ Still, she holds Carmilla's hand tight as they thread through toward the bar. Drinking and dancing while still being able to keep her head - it sounds like a good time to her at least, especially with someone as friendly as the other.
Although, it occurs to her that she really doesn't know a whole lot about the other woman yet, and so once they're seated at the bar a few moments later, she turns to her, a tilt of her head betraying her curiosity. ]
Will you tell me more about yourself, Carmilla?
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[ She should totally brag. Peter knows that taking care of plants is hard work, even if those don't talk back to you or refuse to clean their room like Groot does. ]
I feel like you keep doing me favors, Aerith, I'm forever going to be in debt with you. Can I invite you to dinner one night to compensate it?
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it's happened enough here that she actively avoids it. and does what she can to help other girls avoid it, too.
that said, admitting her hangups on control and her natural cat vamp tendency to constantly dance along the line of losing it would really hinder her careless, sulty vibe. so of course she doesn't mention why she understands. just that she does.
then she focuses on finding them a relatively quiet spot, demanding attention from one of the robot bartenders, and settling near Aerith as she finds a spot on a barstool. Carmilla stands next to her, leaning slightly on the bar and more towards her company. because it keeps them close, and while she could say it's the noise it's mostly because she wants to be close that keeps her there. ) What do you want to know? ( telling people about herself is not exactly one of her stronger suits. give her a place to start, cutie. )