AQUA

[richesse]

Comments

[selfreliar]

So you're aware of your looks, too.

[Is he... teasing her? A little?]

Makes sense, though... as long as no one gets jealous. That's one of the most common motives for murder, after all.

[richesse]

Why do you think I’ve stayed so close to you these past few days? I’ve been staking my claim, Aqua. The earlier we start, the fewer risks we run, aside from being disbelieved. But I think I’ve set us up well. [ smiles warmly. ]

[selfreliar]

[He nods.]

You'll have worn me down. Nobody knows much about me yet, except that I've been injured. You've been taking care of me. It's a solid play.

[richesse]

You’re smart. Good. I thought you were, but it’s a relief to see you understand my intent so well.

I don’t expect any of the boys to be jealous over me. Of the girls… I might worry about Yuri and Shauna. Have you spoken to either of them very much?

[selfreliar]

Mm. For guys, I guess there's only me, Saotome, and Leech in contention. Saotome certainly doesn't seem the type.

I haven't spoken to Shipman at all yet. I think that'll be fine. Yuri... today was the first time. We connected over books, but she would have also seen you helping me, and the two of us sitting together during the trial.

You probably know her better than I do. Should we be worried?

[richesse]

She’s a little hard to predict. Such an interesting girl… so shy, but forceful, too, in her own way.

[ her tremulous “please shut the fuck up” from the trial left an impression ]

As long as we don’t get too involved with her, I think it should be fine.

[ “we.” Already, like they’re a team. Humming, she leans against him. ]

We’re going to have to make it seem real. That should be no problem for an actor, right?

[selfreliar]

[The sleight weight of her against his arm is a surprise, still, but he'll get used to it. He's done it before.]

None at all.

[After a pause, he turns his hand palm-up.]

I'll keep playing the timid one. You've already shown yourself to be the pursuer, and I think I'll come off more believable if I still seem reluctant to show my feelings. That's how I am naturally, anyway. [Aqua tilts his head slightly, considering her.] But I'll do my best to fluster you, too, at the right times. Does that work for you?

[richesse]

[ With a different boy on her mind,

she tentatively puts her hand in his, nodding in answer to his question. ]

I should tell you honestly, since I’m involving you like this …

[ a sigh. ]

I don’t have any dating experience at all. I like to think my act the past few days has been believable, but…

[selfreliar]

...

[He's not going to tell her he could kind of tell.]

I think that could lend it more realism, actually.

While we're being honest, I do have experience. Doesn't that make it more interesting, if the one showing interest is the one for whom it's all new, while the object of interest has his past weighing on him?

[richesse]

… it somehow sounds familiar, [ she sighs. ] If that’s our angle, then…

[ tilts her head back, smiling at him. ]

We’ll give it our all.

[selfreliar]

[He gives her fingers a small squeeze.]

Deal.

1/2

[richesse]

[ eeeeeeeeep. ]

[richesse]

I’m going to have to get used to that.

[selfreliar]

[Smiling very slightly.]

Not yet, you don't.

[But he'll let her hold his hand until she either does or pulls away.]

[richesse]

Still.

[ his attention makes her blush; eventually, she does let go. ]

… how do we pace this, around the others? Leon and Luis have to be convinced, too, and they’re sharp.

[selfreliar]

Yeah, but they're both a decade older than us. To them, we're kids. They'll see what they want to see.

[Aqua considers the angles.]

I don't think you need to do much different. I'm the one who needs to start responding. [Hmm.] I'm healing well enough, so start leaving my side more often in public to talk with others. I'll gaze after you. If I start finding reasons to return to your side, too, we'll convince them we're together in a matter of days; actually, they'll probably believe they're aware of it before us.

[richesse]

Longing looks between lovers… hm~. I suppose you’re right. Everyone will see what they want to see. They usually do.

[ she gets an idea, smiling. ]

A few days from now, I’ll give you something of mine. Something others have seen me wear. A hairband, or something similar. Make sure to keep it with you.

[selfreliar]

[He laughs softly again.]

A token, huh.

Something I can wear would be good. Then it's easy to carry around, and others can see it.

[richesse]

What a shame I don’t have a ribbon to wear in my hair. That would be perfect.

[selfreliar]

Maybe I'm the one who should let you borrow a jacket.

[richesse]

… why not? I ripped up one of my capes for your bandages, after all.

[selfreliar]

Take your pick. I'll make do with whatever's left.

[Choose your favorite Aqua 'fit...]

[richesse]

[ a smile spreads across her face, warm and pleased. ]

You’re making this all so easy for me. I’m almost suspicious.

[ with a hum she moves toward the wardrobe, opening it to browse her options. ]

Making me actually consider his clothes, how dare you

[selfreliar]

[Well, there's the hoodie he arrived in. As long as that's been washed, it's perfectly intact. There's his school blazer; he's wearing the rest of the uniform today. We've just said RIP to his AQUA 🐟 shirt, so of the outfits that are "his," there's. Well, shoved to the back as much as possible, there's a white lab coat remaining, but that isn't really the vibe we're going for, is it.

Then let's say Pratibhouse also provided this number and something like this.

Aqua watches her over his shoulder as she looks.]

Of my motives? Or something else?

I was definitely gonna ask so you’re welcome

[richesse]

[ it’s the hoodie she gravitates to; she likes the idea of having a cozy hood to hide in. She reaches for it, running her fingers over the fabric thoughtfully. ]

Why be so accommodating, otherwise?