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....
[Yeah, Hilda can't resist that hug. She wraps her arms around Ori and pulls her in tight.]
Thank you, Ori. Seriously.
[They remain like that for a few moments before Hilda gives her one last squeeze and lets her go.]
And vice-versa, okay? Whenever those boys of yours get to be too much and you need some girl time, come find me. Or anytime you need anything, really. We cute flower-types need to stick together.
[She's not out-and-out saying it, but Ori has proven to be a better friend than Hilda probably deserves over the course of this afternoon. The thought isn't an especially angst-ridden one--simply a matter of fact. She's self-aware enough to know she's not always a great person, but Ori is there for her anyway. All the more reason to treasure this friendship and reciprocate in kind.
Congratulations, Ori. You're now one of the few people Hilda gives enough of a shit about to actually put in the effort.]
Of course, I want to do thing with you for reasons other than one or the other of us being a bit down. Can you imagine how exhausting that would be, to only act as a counselor all the time?
[Yeah, Hilda can't resist that hug. She wraps her arms around Ori and pulls her in tight.]
Thank you, Ori. Seriously.
[They remain like that for a few moments before Hilda gives her one last squeeze and lets her go.]
And vice-versa, okay? Whenever those boys of yours get to be too much and you need some girl time, come find me. Or anytime you need anything, really. We cute flower-types need to stick together.
[She's not out-and-out saying it, but Ori has proven to be a better friend than Hilda probably deserves over the course of this afternoon. The thought isn't an especially angst-ridden one--simply a matter of fact. She's self-aware enough to know she's not always a great person, but Ori is there for her anyway. All the more reason to treasure this friendship and reciprocate in kind.
Congratulations, Ori. You're now one of the few people Hilda gives enough of a shit about to actually put in the effort.]
Of course, I want to do thing with you for reasons other than one or the other of us being a bit down. Can you imagine how exhausting that would be, to only act as a counselor all the time?
[Hilda's not much more confident in the way she's carrying herself, a rarity for someone the likes of her. She steps aside to let Balthus in, clearing her throat awkwardly as she does so.]
Yeah, all of that was wild. I'm kind of hoping I can make it through March without dying in a dream, you know?
[She closes the door behind them with a weak shrug.]
At least this time, I was warned ahead of time and it didn't feel nearly as real. I mean, we kind of died for real in the dream, and it definitely hurt for real in the dream. But making a whole big dramatic production out of it and remembering that it was just a play made it a lot less traumatic than last time.
My Romeo was also a huge help. He was super sweet.
Yeah, all of that was wild. I'm kind of hoping I can make it through March without dying in a dream, you know?
[She closes the door behind them with a weak shrug.]
At least this time, I was warned ahead of time and it didn't feel nearly as real. I mean, we kind of died for real in the dream, and it definitely hurt for real in the dream. But making a whole big dramatic production out of it and remembering that it was just a play made it a lot less traumatic than last time.
My Romeo was also a huge help. He was super sweet.
[ In this moment, Ori cannot even fathom feeling like Thoma and Diluc could ever be 'too much' and needing time away from them. What she can fathom is giving them space from her, because she can easily see that being the case.
But, she agrees wholeheartedly regardless. Ori loves her adventuring friends, the friendships she's built over time spent traveling together and facing down adversities together after being thrown into seemingly impossible quests together - but there's something special about friendship with someone that you truly choose to spend time with, too. And Ori has chosen this kind of friendship with Hilda, and it is something that has been and will continue to be something worth putting herself out there for.
Still, she would be foolish to think that she's Hilda's only friend like this. She is rather the wonderful and sociable young woman, after all. Plus, there's another thing... ]
I suppose I can... I like spending time with you, Hilda, so you can always visit or write me if you want to see me.
[ A beat, then she adds: ]
Oh, but, you have your friend from home here as well, right? Baltie? I'm sure he'd be happy to help whenever, too.
But, she agrees wholeheartedly regardless. Ori loves her adventuring friends, the friendships she's built over time spent traveling together and facing down adversities together after being thrown into seemingly impossible quests together - but there's something special about friendship with someone that you truly choose to spend time with, too. And Ori has chosen this kind of friendship with Hilda, and it is something that has been and will continue to be something worth putting herself out there for.
Still, she would be foolish to think that she's Hilda's only friend like this. She is rather the wonderful and sociable young woman, after all. Plus, there's another thing... ]
I suppose I can... I like spending time with you, Hilda, so you can always visit or write me if you want to see me.
[ A beat, then she adds: ]
Oh, but, you have your friend from home here as well, right? Baltie? I'm sure he'd be happy to help whenever, too.
And I will, you can bet on that.
[Speaking of things like 'betting' and 'Baltie'... Hilda deflates a bit and gives a bit of a nervous laugh.]
Yeah, um. Things are a little weird with him right now, actually.
[She busies herself with one of the pastries on her plate, tearing a few pieces off to serve as bite-sized portions later. With a sigh, she elaborates to help head off Ori's inevitable 'what happened?']
Right after the nightmare, I went over to his house. I was really shaken, and we got all caught up in everything, and I kissed him and ended up sleeping in his bed with him because I didn't want to go back to my place by myself. And it's weird. He's, like, my older brother's best friend, and I always thought that made him kind of an older brother to me too. Except you don't kiss brothers the way that we kissed, and it didn't really feel wrong in the moment, but the more I think about the more I don't know what to think about it. Was I just looking for comfort wherever I could find it? Did I use him to make myself feel better? Did he use me?
[She sighs again, this time more dramatically, and helps herself to one of the bits of torn-off pastry.]
Feelings are stupid, Ori.
[Speaking of things like 'betting' and 'Baltie'... Hilda deflates a bit and gives a bit of a nervous laugh.]
Yeah, um. Things are a little weird with him right now, actually.
[She busies herself with one of the pastries on her plate, tearing a few pieces off to serve as bite-sized portions later. With a sigh, she elaborates to help head off Ori's inevitable 'what happened?']
Right after the nightmare, I went over to his house. I was really shaken, and we got all caught up in everything, and I kissed him and ended up sleeping in his bed with him because I didn't want to go back to my place by myself. And it's weird. He's, like, my older brother's best friend, and I always thought that made him kind of an older brother to me too. Except you don't kiss brothers the way that we kissed, and it didn't really feel wrong in the moment, but the more I think about the more I don't know what to think about it. Was I just looking for comfort wherever I could find it? Did I use him to make myself feel better? Did he use me?
[She sighs again, this time more dramatically, and helps herself to one of the bits of torn-off pastry.]
Feelings are stupid, Ori.
[ The moment that Hilda seems to deflate, Ori regrets bringing Balthus up. Not that she would have had any way of knowing that doing so would bring up complicated emotions, but still - Ori deflates in turn and watches with worry as Hilda tears up one of the pastries on her plate.
She goes on to explain what happened before Ori has a chance to steel herself enough to ask the question, and all she can do is listen attentively. What Hilda says is... not at all what Ori is expecting, truth to tell, but still she listens. Ori also cannot really relate to the dynamics of older brothers and their best friends, having neither an older brother nor a best friend (at least, not until recently).
By the time that Hilda has said all of that, and sighs, Ori is wearing a very sympathetic look on her face. She can't even begin to pretend to understand, but all that really matters is that it's clearing bothering Hilda. ]
Hilda...
[ There's no judgment in her voice. ]
It's okay to not really know how to feel about it. But I do think... if you were both okay with it, then maybe it's not really like you were using each other...?
[ The flowers in her hair droop a little. ]
Sorry, I'm not really... familiar with these kinds of situations. But I do know that feelings can be complicated, and that's okay. You don't have to figure everything out right away. But I'm sorry to hear things are a little weird right now... maybe it'll be okay in time?
[ Narrator voice: It will, in fact, not be okay. ]
She goes on to explain what happened before Ori has a chance to steel herself enough to ask the question, and all she can do is listen attentively. What Hilda says is... not at all what Ori is expecting, truth to tell, but still she listens. Ori also cannot really relate to the dynamics of older brothers and their best friends, having neither an older brother nor a best friend (at least, not until recently).
By the time that Hilda has said all of that, and sighs, Ori is wearing a very sympathetic look on her face. She can't even begin to pretend to understand, but all that really matters is that it's clearing bothering Hilda. ]
Hilda...
[ There's no judgment in her voice. ]
It's okay to not really know how to feel about it. But I do think... if you were both okay with it, then maybe it's not really like you were using each other...?
[ The flowers in her hair droop a little. ]
Sorry, I'm not really... familiar with these kinds of situations. But I do know that feelings can be complicated, and that's okay. You don't have to figure everything out right away. But I'm sorry to hear things are a little weird right now... maybe it'll be okay in time?
[ Narrator voice: It will, in fact, not be okay. ]
[Not if their respective muns have anything to say about it!
Hilda meets Ori's sympathetic look with a small smile. Bless her, she's trying to be supportive and helpful. But this is out of Hilda's depth, and she's much more experienced in these kinds of things than Ori is. It's little wonder that she's at a near-total loss.]
Honestly, Ori? All I need is an ear and a bit of comfort. I know you don't have the answers, but I know you have those things in abundance.
[Ori is too good a friend, really.]
So thanks for that much. Just being able to talk about it helps a bit, you know? Like, I'm not losing my mind or whatever. And maybe you're right. Maybe it'll just... blow over, and things can go back to how they were.
Hilda meets Ori's sympathetic look with a small smile. Bless her, she's trying to be supportive and helpful. But this is out of Hilda's depth, and she's much more experienced in these kinds of things than Ori is. It's little wonder that she's at a near-total loss.]
Honestly, Ori? All I need is an ear and a bit of comfort. I know you don't have the answers, but I know you have those things in abundance.
[Ori is too good a friend, really.]
So thanks for that much. Just being able to talk about it helps a bit, you know? Like, I'm not losing my mind or whatever. And maybe you're right. Maybe it'll just... blow over, and things can go back to how they were.
Well, no matter what happens between the two of you, you'll still be my friend!
[ She reaches over with one arm to pull Hilda into a half-embrace. ]
I feel like... it wouldn't hurt to talk things out at some point, no matter what. Honestly, I probably still wouldn't have owned up to how I feel about Thoma and Diluc if Thoma hadn't brought it up in conversation.... It was kind of scary to talk things out, but it ended up being okay in the end!
[ Well, more than okay, obviously, but. ]
I'm learning that talking about these things can be way better than keeping everything locked up inside. But, like I said— you don't have to figure it out all at once!
[ She pulls her arm away so that she can start to work at the pastries her own plate and, of course, also refill Hilda's plate with more pastries. ]
[ She reaches over with one arm to pull Hilda into a half-embrace. ]
I feel like... it wouldn't hurt to talk things out at some point, no matter what. Honestly, I probably still wouldn't have owned up to how I feel about Thoma and Diluc if Thoma hadn't brought it up in conversation.... It was kind of scary to talk things out, but it ended up being okay in the end!
[ Well, more than okay, obviously, but. ]
I'm learning that talking about these things can be way better than keeping everything locked up inside. But, like I said— you don't have to figure it out all at once!
[ She pulls her arm away so that she can start to work at the pastries her own plate and, of course, also refill Hilda's plate with more pastries. ]
[He presses his lips together into a tight line as he steps inside, his gaze shifting to remain fixed on her as he passes.]
Can't say I'm a huge fan of that bein' a trend. Be nice to have a change of pace.
[It feels strange to say anything about it so casually— he knows how watching it had made him feel, but he hasn't experienced the same thing for himself. He imagines Hilda has to have some pretty complicated feelings about the whole thing, but of course, it's exactly like her to downplay it and try to shrug things off.]
You guys did really swing for the fences on that one, though.
[The dramatics had helped to make it all less real, at least in theory.]
... sweet, huh. Who was that guy, anyway?
Can't say I'm a huge fan of that bein' a trend. Be nice to have a change of pace.
[It feels strange to say anything about it so casually— he knows how watching it had made him feel, but he hasn't experienced the same thing for himself. He imagines Hilda has to have some pretty complicated feelings about the whole thing, but of course, it's exactly like her to downplay it and try to shrug things off.]
You guys did really swing for the fences on that one, though.
[The dramatics had helped to make it all less real, at least in theory.]
... sweet, huh. Who was that guy, anyway?
[Hilda leans into the sideways half-hug, smiling warmly. ]
You're the best, Ori. Seriously.
[It's a shame that Hilda and Balthus don't have a Thoma to force the conversation. Or maybe it's for the best. Balthus would probably be pretty chill about having a third, but she's not convinced that she wouldn't be a jealous asshole about it.
Which... why is she even thinking about that?! She's not even supposed to be entertaining the idea of being a couple. Right?]
I'll try talking to him once I've had more time to think about.
[Realistically, that means she's probably going to keep avoiding the topic for as long as possible. But at least she's considering Ori's advice. That's something, right?]
In any case, let's get back to making this a fun birthday tea party. I'm glad we talked about this stuff, but I don't want it to spoil the festivities too much.
[And with that, the pair return to tea, treats, and girlish gossip. All in all, Hilda's second 19th birthday ends up being a lovely one. ♥ ]
You're the best, Ori. Seriously.
[It's a shame that Hilda and Balthus don't have a Thoma to force the conversation. Or maybe it's for the best. Balthus would probably be pretty chill about having a third, but she's not convinced that she wouldn't be a jealous asshole about it.
Which... why is she even thinking about that?! She's not even supposed to be entertaining the idea of being a couple. Right?]
I'll try talking to him once I've had more time to think about.
[Realistically, that means she's probably going to keep avoiding the topic for as long as possible. But at least she's considering Ori's advice. That's something, right?]
In any case, let's get back to making this a fun birthday tea party. I'm glad we talked about this stuff, but I don't want it to spoil the festivities too much.
[And with that, the pair return to tea, treats, and girlish gossip. All in all, Hilda's second 19th birthday ends up being a lovely one. ♥ ]
[Balthus ought to know by now that Hilda is a master at dishonesty when it comes to things like feelings and vulnerability, superceded only by the likes of a certain half-Almyran archer. She's not lying when she says that making things big and dramatic takes the edge off, but there's still a part of her that's a bit freaked out by the fact that she keeps dying like this in dreams. Dying, after all, is something she fears more than anything else.
She's also playing it cool regarding her complicated feelings about the man who's come to check in on her. But that's another issue entirely.]
His name's Dohalim. He definitely is one of those sensitive types, you know? The kind who really cares about art and expression and all of that stuff. But without being all stuffy and weird. He's charming about it.
I'm glad I got paired with him.
She's also playing it cool regarding her complicated feelings about the man who's come to check in on her. But that's another issue entirely.]
His name's Dohalim. He definitely is one of those sensitive types, you know? The kind who really cares about art and expression and all of that stuff. But without being all stuffy and weird. He's charming about it.
I'm glad I got paired with him.
[Who knew that complex feelings would find a way to be even more confusing and difficult to manage in a dreamland rife with complications of its own?
Everyone but them, probably, both of them being experts at ignoring their own feelings for very different reasons.]
Charming.
[He does make an effort not to let himself become hostile, but there's a definite edge to his voice.]
So, uh— you think you're gonna see him again after all the dream stuff?
[Like, do you like him?]
Everyone but them, probably, both of them being experts at ignoring their own feelings for very different reasons.]
Charming.
[He does make an effort not to let himself become hostile, but there's a definite edge to his voice.]
So, uh— you think you're gonna see him again after all the dream stuff?
[Like, do you like him?]
[Don't think Hilda doesn't pick up on that edge, Balthus. She responds to it by crossing her arms and giving him a Look.]
Yes, charming.
[Why is he acting so weird about it? It's not like she and Balthus are a thing or anything. They just had one night of emotional intimacy where they kissed and cuddled and shared a bed. That doesn't mean anything!
Or so she's telling herself, anyway.]
I think it'd be nice to see him again. See how we get along without all the dreamscape stuff. Maybe go out for a nice dinner or something.
[She's somewhat intentionally obfuscating her motives in asking Dohalim out to dinner. Really, it's not likely to be anything more than 'let's get to know each other as friends and also sorry about the dying thing in the dream, that was wild.' But she's irritated that he's acting weird, so he gets to think that this is a ~date~ because that would clearly bother him. Even though it shouldn't.]
Yes, charming.
[Why is he acting so weird about it? It's not like she and Balthus are a thing or anything. They just had one night of emotional intimacy where they kissed and cuddled and shared a bed. That doesn't mean anything!
Or so she's telling herself, anyway.]
I think it'd be nice to see him again. See how we get along without all the dreamscape stuff. Maybe go out for a nice dinner or something.
[She's somewhat intentionally obfuscating her motives in asking Dohalim out to dinner. Really, it's not likely to be anything more than 'let's get to know each other as friends and also sorry about the dying thing in the dream, that was wild.' But she's irritated that he's acting weird, so he gets to think that this is a ~date~ because that would clearly bother him. Even though it shouldn't.]
[Maybe they're not a thing, but they're not not a thing, either! It's confusing. Either way, he doesn't seem all that impressed by her repeating the word again, even though he knows exactly how he'd sounded. Should he apologize?
Nah.]
You're gonna go to dinner with him?
[That could mean anything; people go to dinner all the time without being involved. Hell, he and Hilda have dinner several times a week, and they're not... necessarily together in any way, but it still rubs him a little bit raw.]
I mean, sure, have a great time, I guess. He seemed like he's probably a million years older than you, though.
[Pot, kettle, black. Damn, why is this bothering him so much?]
Nah.]
You're gonna go to dinner with him?
[That could mean anything; people go to dinner all the time without being involved. Hell, he and Hilda have dinner several times a week, and they're not... necessarily together in any way, but it still rubs him a little bit raw.]
I mean, sure, have a great time, I guess. He seemed like he's probably a million years older than you, though.
[Pot, kettle, black. Damn, why is this bothering him so much?]
Thanks.
[YEP. THAT'S IT. THAT'S ALL SHE GETS.]
[YEP. THAT'S IT. THAT'S ALL SHE GETS.]
WHO IS THIS????
[And what are you thanking her for??!?!?!]
[And what are you thanking her for??!?!?!]
[IT SHALL REMAIN A MYSTERY....
For he does not answer.]
For he does not answer.]
If I find out who you are, you're going to regret it!
[Hilda, honey, let this go.]
[Hilda, honey, let this go.]
[It's too bad these don't have "read" status because he is actually reading her messages, just not responding.
Although he does consider for half a second to maybe at least mention something.
...Will she keep messaging him if he doesn't answer. Oh primals—
If she responds again he'll finally respond. With something.]
Although he does consider for half a second to maybe at least mention something.
...Will she keep messaging him if he doesn't answer. Oh primals—
If she responds again he'll finally respond. With something.]
Edited 2022-04-02 07:08 (UTC)
[Oh my goddess, is he jealous?! Hilda just gapes at him for several moments before she responds. What is there to even be jealous of? They aren't a thing, so he doesn't get a say on what she does with whom.]
Who even cares that he's older than me? You're older than me, and we do stuff together all the time.
[Easy as it is to forget sometimes, given how he behaves.]
I'm an adult and I can see whoever I like, Baltie.
Who even cares that he's older than me? You're older than me, and we do stuff together all the time.
[Easy as it is to forget sometimes, given how he behaves.]
I'm an adult and I can see whoever I like, Baltie.
[A few hours later, Hilda responds with a doodle:]
[You know. He actually laughs because he's reminded of Beatrix from his world not the cool one currently in Songerein and how she would likely respond similarly if not exactly. So fine, fine.
He'll give one more response.]
For the advice.
[AND THAT'S IT. Though surely she should figure it out now.]
He'll give one more response.]
For the advice.
[AND THAT'S IT. Though surely she should figure it out now.]
[He definitely doesn't give the age gap between them much thought these days— it was one thing when they were growing up and she was noticeably much younger than Holst and himself, but these days, that line is a lot blurrier. They're both adults, and he doesn't think about it much more than that, for the most part.
Age doesn't mean a whole lot— until someone else enters the picture, apparently.]
I didn't say you couldn't, just— seems weird, that's all. I mean, do you even know anything real about him?
[He's not jealous. Definitely not.]
Also, didn't he technically kill you?
Age doesn't mean a whole lot— until someone else enters the picture, apparently.]
I didn't say you couldn't, just— seems weird, that's all. I mean, do you even know anything real about him?
[He's not jealous. Definitely not.]
Also, didn't he technically kill you?
Oh!
You're welcome. ♥ Glad to help.
[WAS THAT SO HARD, ANONYMOUS PERSON?]
You're welcome. ♥ Glad to help.
[WAS THAT SO HARD, ANONYMOUS PERSON?]
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