nonvoting | [ gp / inbox ]

So you were counting.

[doki... he loves a competent man.]

What did you do with the orchid?

I've been taking care of it. Trying, at least. It turns out that orchids are difficult to preserve, so I thought I should at least try before I throw in the towel.

Do you have any interest in gardening?

I'm not sure. I had the opportunity to learn, but never bothered, much for the same reason I never bothered to raise a pet or make friends: they would only have been things someone else would have to care for when I die.

[oh 🥲]

I can understand that. For a long time, I didn't care about what was going to happen to me in the future. I expected I would die.

But, while you're here, that won't be the case. Will you consider it now?

Are you offering to teach me?

Only if you're interested.

Then I'll do my best.

It should help with your knowledge of caring for the orchid, too.

You don't have to answer this if you don't want to. But who gave it to you?

[ there is, honestly, a moment where tseng considers not answering—but despite himself, he understands that avoiding the truth doesn't make it less true. ]

Her name is Aerith. She was here briefly, for just under two months. She has a deep love of flowers and a talent for gardening. The orchid was a housewarming gift to me, and, I suspect, her way of telling me to decorate a little.

You should. Decorate a little.

[An attempt to soften what must be sore.]

I'm glad you kept it alive.

I am too.

I don't know how to decorate, though. So I think I'll start with the orchid and see where I go from there.

I'm afraid I wouldn't be very good at it either.

Do I have any questions left?

No, but I would keep answering if you kept asking.

Really? I've already taken up a lot of your time.

I'm not busy.

You seem like the sort of man who tries to keep himself busy even in a place like this.

Is it difficult? Being away from your responsibilities.

I do try to keep myself busy, but I can only spend so many hours in the casino before it becomes obvious I'm counting cards. After that, I often find myself with free time.

It is difficult, yes. I am very used to being occupied for nearly every hour of the day. Coming here and finding myself with so little to do was an adjustment.

I feel the same. And it's difficult to feel comfortable being trapped in one place, without freedom to go where you choose.

[Like being inside a very large cage.]

You should be careful cheating like that. What if you're caught?

I won't get caught.

But if I were, at my rank, I imagine I would be barred for a week or so and then allowed to re-enter with a very sincere promise that I won't do it again.

That's true. They let the royal ranks do what they want.

How are you handling the attention so far?

I think I've adapted to it, to an extent. Over time I have managed to strike a balance between performing the way they expect a face card to perform, and taking advantage of the... fawning, for lack of a better term, to secure myself some privacy.

I suppose it wouldn't be difficult to fawn over someone like you.

[??? flirting]

At least you're used to it now. There is power in that kind of prestige.

I don't know about all that, but I do prefer it when it comes from you.

[ flirting ??!!?? ]

It's true, there is. The access and resources that my rank has afforded me cannot be overstated. Looking back, it was quite a boon when I was beginning to map out this resort the first time.

I'll keep that in mind.

I can imagine. Though I won't deny that I prefer moving around without anyone paying attention to me. I guess in that sense we've both made the best of our assignment.

I'll come see you tonight for dinner if you're available.

(no subject)

nonvoting - 2024-08-03 18:15 (UTC) - Expand