ᯓ⭐ WEEK FOUR MINGLE

Heya, lovebirds! You're entering the final week and things sure are... great.

Right?

Well, whether you're feeling great or not, you're going to find yourself looking your best in formal wear this week! Suits, gorgeous dresses, fabulously outlandish outfits, you name it, you're stuck in it. No sweatpants or lab coats for anyone this week. We have standards.

And we also believe in telling the truth, one way or another!

That's right, if you're asked a question, any question at all, no matter how innocent or dire, you are compelled to speak your most truthful answer. It could be who you think is the hottest in the castle. It could be your opinion on orange juice. Whatever it is, there is no longer a brain-to-mouth filter in place!

And maybe you'll figure that out and all decide to be merciful, but Riri will be popping up every now and then. And Riri? Riri will not be merciful.

Except for one thing, and that's a note in the main room that states simply: You all suck at this, so this week, our good ol' lesbian duo can now speak normally. You're welcome. ♥

FAQ ⭐ Truth Booth Voting ⭐ Mysterious Thing ⭐ Sex Dungeon ⭐ Perfect Match Voting

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... Something lost to time would be a difficult match for those similar to us.

[ the previous sage...? it's one of the few times he's said goodbye, somewhat, and he can't recall their name or their face. ]

I will not ask more. [ because... because, ] I only aimed to acknowledge what you've observed.

I feel quite confident that out of everyone else here that could still be a match it is likely us.

More so with what Mister Uroko has said... We have not had the opportunity to speak in any great length.

We remain here, and there is still time.

[ however little of it there is. he considers something for a beat, looking at the glass of wine within his hand with a furrowed brow before continuing on, steadfast: ]

... So that may happen, if you wish it so.

[ regardless of how unflinchingly chatty they are, oz won't shy away from it. whether it be here, at this moment, or later on. ]

There is... [He taps at his cup.] I can't claim to know what you're looking for here, of course, but as far as matters of the heart. That has been firmly decided.

But... I did originally come here thinking that a friend or two would be gained. Stories told and shared and offered. If this perfect match is destined to offer a potential long lived friend then I would be most glad.

[ ............................... friend? f...riend. friend.

he doesn't hear language like that from someone zhongli's age, and he really has to wonder why those who are his age speak like the children from back home.....

it's not a negative thing. it's just such a complicated emotion, to hear the opposite of the sentiment he expects from those he considers at least a little more similar superficially. why does it make him feel more ancient...? ]

You do not have to worry about my interfering with those matters.

[ the heart. he didn't come here for that, nor does he expect such a thing from zhongli. that's- yeah. ]

... I also do not know if I can provide suitable [ ... awkwardly: ] friendship. Why is that something you seek?

[ no commentary on zhongli's character or his interest. oz has simply been alone for almost all of his life, so to say he could provide something like suitable companionship is....... funny, really. ]

Because I will continue to exist long after what I have is gone. And loneliness is a most painful thing. Loss is difficult and inevitable but it is the way of things.

People, creatures, Gods and Archons are not meant to exist on their own. Loneliness is a slow and insidious killer.

[

years ago, he would not have seen this. but he recalls the echoing silence of the castle after the absence of joyful, energetic footsteps, and he cannot forget the way it dug its roots into his heart.

and he realizes. he should not have asked. ]

Zhongli.

[ ... ]

... I will not talk to you about that now.

[ this is getting far too close to oz's issues, and perhaps to zhongli's. a heart pulled open is- ]

[He hums in acknowledgement and continues with his tea.]

Another time then, if you're so inclined.

... You may seek me out when you wish.

[ he's still (somewhat) open to it. just. not in front of everyone's salad, even if nothing is private anyway.

snapshot before everything goes to shit ]

[ what was it again, about fish?

the ocean is vast and lonely, and beyond that—uroko doesn't elaborate because he doesn't see a point when zhong li is more stubborn than any of the many children he's told the tale.

but it's something to keep in mind for the greater puzzle at hand. ]

You're both very thoughtful with your words. [She gives them both the best supportive smile she can manage.

...Though one of them finds it easier to speak than the other, obviously. Zhongli's speech had caught her attention right away the very first day they were here, after all.]

For better or for worse, you might find you have a lot to discuss.

Manuela.

[ the gentle and quiet way oz says her name is his acknowledgement of her words. he can't see the latter, for many reasons, but it seems he can't see many things; it is a shortcoming on his end more than anything, though one oz can't quite process as a flaw. ]

... Perhaps. A lot may be too much.

[ well, maybe it's oz's "a lot" and not zhongli's "a lot". either way, it's more of a dig at himself. ]

[Well, she probably could have held off on saying that their thoughts were deliberately put into words until it became clear that there were going to be some strange deluges happening...but that's a problem for future Manuela. The Manuela of the present will get to listen to how gently he says her name and feel a little regret.]

That's how it is sometimes, even for us regular people. [She isn't sure where the line is drawn between regular and irregular, but there's at least the separation between the ephemeral and the long-lasting.] We're good at "too much." So I won't take you giving up so easily.

[ ...

regular.

is that what they are? once, oz had thought what would die the fastest — like a butterfly in winter — was the most beautiful. to be constantly surprised by the ephemeral is the fate of the long-lasting, it seems.

he can't help the way his face softens at the memory. of that, and someone who would reassure him just the same. ]

... That strength is what does not make you regular.

[ that's all. ]

[

anyway, he's turning his face away. ]

I am not giving up regardless.

[She laughs when he turns his face away. Because she'll never fully understand him, all Manuela can think after that is, "He's really kind of shy, isn't he?"]

A little too much?

[She reaches out to pat his upper arm while he's still looking in the other direction, though she removes her hand just as quickly. What a weird man. What a weird thing this has all been.]

Thanks for that. Keep working hard.

[ ah.

is she laughing at him?

the touch brings his focus back, gaze moving towards where her hand had sat for the briefest moment. how brazen. how odd, whenever it happens. a little too much? oz blinks, slowly, the feelings sorting out within him earnestly.

the smallest shake of the head. no. ]

That would mean this has reached the level of burdensome. It... [ his brow furrows ] ... is similar to finding a flower in the snow. The novelty makes it difficult to respond.

[ ah. he lets out a quiet sigh. what is this...? ]

... You as well.

WEEK FOUR MINGLE

ᯓ⭐ WEEK FOUR MINGLE

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