That witch, Mana, is a cunning woman, isn't she? [Eridanus purrs, and it seems now that even his voice has deepened slightly. Or is it more gravelly, as if his vocal cords have been bathed in acid? Whatever the change is, those words rumble through his chest with the affection of a contented lion.
Without more of an invite, Eridanus steps past Annie where she allows him, and turns to hang his cloak up on the coat rack beside the door.]
I had wanted my magic back and she makes me a demon — quite the cruel joke. [It's then that he turns bringing his claw up to cup Annie's cheek once more. He doesn't like the melancholy that takes her face, and his distaste shows in the knot that forms between his brows.
His clawed thumb rubs affectionately across her cheekbone.] Don't worry yourself with silly details. What matters is that we are here, now, and that you are feeling better. Now... [He pulls the wrapped box from under his arm. Unlike Annie's, Eridanus' wrapping is done in plain brown paper, without any frivolous ribbons. When she would open it, she would find a woolen dress neatly folded within.] Happy birthday Annie, as belated as it may be.
[ She thinks his voice sounds well-matched to how he looks now. If Annie didn't know Eridanus at all it would almost be chilling. She loves it. He can be the kind of monster he would like to be.
Annie scuttles back a bit to give him some room. The wind off the lake is picking up and since it's so hard finding things that are long enough to cover her without getting in the way of her pincers Annie has been low-key chilly since October. ]
You don't-- You're going to laugh.
[ Annie huffs feeling a touch childish but also half leaning into the affection offered. She had been hurting so badly. Still she decides it's best to open the gift. She balances the box across her pincers and uses her deft claws to open the wrapping.
The smile she shoots up at him is brilliant. He had managed to banish some of her lingering dark thoughts. ]
I love it. Thank you so much. I... got you something too. You're going to laugh. Maybe at the timing and not me specifically.
[ She sets the box aside but can't bring herself to put the dress down. The wool fabric looks so nice. She fetches the brightly wrapped package bringing it back over. ]
I even thought I did pretty good with this. I was excited.
[When Annie brings back that nicely wrapped box—brightly colored, with too many swirling ribbons (it perfectly suits her rather than him)—Eridanus cannot help the way his soft smile pulls sharply to his ears, of which, are perked. He takes it delicately between his claws, as if afraid to ruin the gift she is giving, and peels back the paper with fond care.
The coat he pulls from the box within is perfectly in line with his tastes. The elegant, sharp cut and style would have certainly gone well with his features; and when Eridanus imagines the thought Annie must have put into it, he can't help the paternal affection that unfurls through his chest.
He knows Annie is picky about her physical affection, but he can't contain the way he sweeps within her personal space in a single fluid motion, and wraps his arms around her shoulders in a tight, squeezy hug.]
Oh, my Annie — I love it. [He pulls back, the coat draped over his arm as he clasps her shoulders between his hands.] And it's nothing a tailor can't fix. A couple of slots in the back for my wings, and I will be able to wear it all winter. Thank you.
[ Annie thinks Lucius would better understand that tearing up the paper is half the fun. Part of her thinks watching Lucius get a gift would be really fun and resolves to find him the most ridiculous sweater she can. Something so bad it's good.
Also the look on Eridanus's face upon seeing Lucius wearing something over the top would also be hysterical. With that decided Annie is resolving to buy an ugly Christmas sweater for Lucius as soon as possible. ]
You do? [ She is suddenly beaming from ear to ear. All four of her sharp fangs are on display when she smiles that widely. Eridanus even gets a rare treat -- Annie snuggles into his side looking so very happy. ]
I was worried you wouldn't enjoy it as much with your.... Your new wings. I just loved the color and cut when I saw it. I knew it was perfect for you.
This is precisely something I would pick for myself, you have good taste my girl.
[Eridanus keeps an arm around her, enjoying their closeness. For all they have been through recently, there was a part of him that worried their relationship would have been harmed—but it seems as if the very opposite happened, and the thought of them being closer than ever has sweet affection unfurl through Eridanus' breast.]
Oh, you were cooking weren't you? Come, let's relocate to the kitchen, I wouldn't want your dinner to burn because of me.
[It's a good thing Annie doesn't mention the Christmas sweater, Eridanus would be SO upset!]
I had to think. I prefer... more cute things. I mean, I'm still a fairly young woman.
[ She forgave him. It wasn't his fault. She only felt bad that she had shut him out during the horrible depression that had hit her. Annie had no idea if he had noticed how poorly she had been dealing with things.
The fact is she doesn't want to ask. She doesn't want to feel so damn needy. ]
I was! I'm trying my hand at a sort of... human Marsala. I was having issues motivating myself to eat. It... It happens sometimes. So I decided to try and be adventurous with my cooking.
[ Annie will buy one to wear with BELLS just to say she can. ]
[Eridanus chuckles at that,] well, I am glad you chose something better suited to a mature gentleman, such as myself.
[He follows after Annie into her kitchen, where he pulls a chair out from under the raised table-made-island, and hangs his new coat on the back of it.]
Mar...sala? I cannot say this human food exists in Vathea, though the smell is similar to Rim'falen food. Is it a curry?
[Even if the name isn't the same, the cuisine certainly is! Eridanus missed that aromatic, spicy scent that reminds him of food from home. He rounds the island towards Annie, minding her scorpid body as he peers over her shoulder at the simmering pan.]
Perhaps you can teach me how to cook? Everlasting Light knows that Lucius has no skill for it, and sometimes eating meat raw and bloody isn't so appetizing.
I'm glad I thought outside of what I might pick for myself. I like what you picked too. It's wonderful.
[ Annie finds herself smirking at him. ]
No. It's a kind of mushroom gravy sauce served over chicken with some kind of pasta. It's from a country called Italy.
[ The sauce is starting to bubble over what looks like small steak shaped flanks of human flesh cut to size. It looks good enough. ]
I've eaten raw flesh before. I was so hungry and... angry. I'm trying to learn how to cook still. I can show you what I've learned. A friend even gave me pointers.
[Eridanus turns a tender smile towards Annie, pleased that his present made her happy. It seems as if she's been needing things to cheer her up, and he's more than happy to lend his company.]
Interesting, and yet it smelled so similar to something we would have in Sel'enial. [He muses aloud,] pasta dishes were not very common in my homeland, that was certainly a more human food.
[He takes a step back, mindful of his overlarge wings when he folds them to his back, and crosses his arms as he watches her. His leans his hip against the counter.]
I'd be happy to learn from you Annie, and it gives me an excuse to come see you more.
[ Annie doesn't know how to approach this. She doesn't want to scare him by how low she had been. Maybe it's best to gloss that over. ]
Well! Let's just say I'm doing better than I had been.
Humans tend to love carbs. It's a quick and easy way to get calories. In this case I just need it for the sauce... although. I did lose weight I can't spare so I guess I do need the calories to fix that.
[ She hums happily. ]
I'd like cooking with you. I'm looking at getting someone else in here. It... It looks like Coraline didn't get my message. I've been on my own.
[He's not oblivious, and it's more out of respect for Annie's boundaries that Eridanus doesn't initially bring up the way she's acting—or the way she'd holed herself up.
But now, it seems as if she wants to share, and doesn't know how.]
Well, you're sweet, so a roommate won't be too hard for you. [Besides, it's almost time for the next fog, isn't it? New arrivals are bound to come.]
Annie. [He starts, and waits for her gaze to meet his. His smile has faltered slightly, but his expression is still soft, and full of familiar fondness.]
You can talk to me, if you want to. I will always listen. I meant what I said weeks ago — I care for you, deeply.
I shouldn't be alone. I get... I get bad by myself.
[ She reaches to rub her face. The food won't burn but she still turns the temperature down just in case. Annie doesn't know how he'll take this. ]
I... I got low after we got back. I had to cover up the bathroom mirror or I would have smashed it open. I just couldn't stand myself.
I didn't even want to get out of bed. I still did for work but I hated every minute of it. It took too much energy to act perky or kind to every person who walked in.
[ She sniffs a bit. ]
If I was a mermaid I might have drowned them just to avoid dealing with them.... or so I could really hide and not have to face anyone. I couldn't... I couldn't convince myself I was worthy of anything. I had to pretty much claw my way back to how I usually am and... It's still hard. I get like this and sometimes I can't shake it. This time I think I'm doing a bit better. But I'm tired.
[As Annie speaks, Eridanus' brow knots. Emotional talks are not things he enjoys, his own problems ignored in favor of whatever pleasure he could readily get his hands on instead. If he were to count the number of times he thought about descending the cliff his estate sat upon, just to walk into the sea—never to return—he would not have enough hours in the day.]
I understand your feelings, Annie. I have had them, too. [Depression, he knows that's what it's called, but he won't say it aloud.
Eridanus steps towards Annie and takes her hand in his own.]
It's hard, going through those feelings, but you made it. You conquered them, even if for a short time, and I am here with you now — and I will be there for you any time you need me. I will come whenever you call, Annie. No matter what your thoughts tell you, you are not alone with them.
My father would get the same way. Sometimes with a touch of like, mania. He'd go through these creative periods where he was at the top of his game... His depressive episodes were like watching a puppet gets its strings cut.
[ If it is allowed Annie is going to just hug Eridanus. Her face ends up pressed against him while she shuts out the world just for a moment. ]
You're so good to me. I didn't.... I didn't want to be selfish. There was a few days where I might have begged to have you and Lucius around even if I wasn't up for talking. I was basically a mushroom by the fireplace.
[As Annie slots against him, Eridanus turns to accept her embrace. It's funny, how quickly one gets used to being intimate with so many extra, intrusive parts—but he's become well versed in navigating those gruesome pincers, and pulls her tightly to his chest.
The hug is just as much for her as it is for him, and when Eridanus pulls back, he keeps one arm loosely about her shoulders.]
I love you too, Annie. Lucius does as well, in his own odd way. He'll never say the words, but the way he talks about you, he beams with so much pride. [Eridanus smiles fondly down at her,] because we love you, you're allowed to be selfish, you know. If ever this house feels too big and empty for you, either contact me, or come to Djavulenstad. You are always welcome at our home.
[A pause,] that reminds me, I should set up a ward here, so that I may readily teleport whenever you need me.
But Eridanus lets go of her, just so that the food she was so keen to make doesn't burn, even with the low heat. He returns to leaning against the counter.]
Well, I can't say no to that — I think it would be good for you to have more friends around your age. Hopefully ones at least closer than Lucius and I. We who live well into millennia are good for advice-giving, but not quite the same comradery as another young lady.
[Yes he said lady. Annie knows what he means. Sorry Annie, Eridanus is still pretty traditional in his mentality.]
I do like her. I hope I didn't like, scare her off. I can admit to being a bit... Dramatic?
[ She carefully stirs the sauce checking on it. Between that and the braised meat Annie thinks it is mostly done. Now to add the pasts to the water that has hit what her new and very useful cook book has called a rolling boil.
She is trying to learn how to cook after all. Research is the key. ]
I even stepped back from my ah, attempts at dating. I don't think I'm well enough to see a guy like that. You can't exactly go out when you're still trying to convince those awful little voices in your head that no, you do in fact look cute.
You don't need to affirm that. I know how I look. It was... It was basically just bad thoughts I couldn't shake.
If someone cannot appreciate your drama, then are they really going to be the type you want in your life? It sounds as if they're boring, otherwise.
[Eridanus glances around the kitchen as he speaks, and in that moment he's a bit sad he hadn't thought ahead to bring a bottle of wine with him. Even if he would have been drinking alone.]
And I promise I won't preach — I had similar feelings about my appearance as a troll. I know many thought it suited me in its own beautiful way, but I could never embrace it fully. I came to loathe that hideous face. I am much happier with this one.
I did get some wine if you want any. It's not really any good compared to what I'm used to but well, I feel like they don't have any good places to grow the right grapes it feels like. I could be wrong though because I don't really drink wine.
[ It had been fun to buy though. The poor clerk had looked so flustered. ]
I liked some of how you looked. I didn't like the fact you looked a bit sad. It was just... there. In your eyes. You don't look sad now.
[A frown creases his weathered, crimson visage, and he reaches out a clawed hand to rest on Annie's shoulder. The look he gives her is one of silent sympathy, as he knows her feelings far too intimately to not understand the thoughts churning through her mind.]
You know, Annie. You don't have to always be so strong, it is not weak to cow beneath your feelings, especially when support is nearby.
[He pushes himself away from the counter and turns away from her.]
Would you like me to pour you a glass of something else? I should have thought ahead to bring something for more than just a present for your birthday. [A pause,] and... thank you, Annie. I don't feel as sad right now, either. It's been months since I've felt so light.
[ Annie reaches to touch his hand gently. Her claws are dangerous, so she takes care with touching him. He knows her so well. ]
I just... I'm tired of being brought low. I know I'm not weak. I've overcome so much.
[ She is considering everything. ]
I think perhaps I should decide if I should seek out the spell I had an idea for or... Or ask Mana to help me create a magical artifact that may help me when I need to feel like me.
[ Annie considers the wine and smiles. ]
I'll trust you to pick out the wine. The clerk was ah... Quite taken with my appearance actually.
[ Her face colors a bit unused to being seen as a beautiful young woman like this. ] He was trying to impress me. I don't mind having a glass with my meal.
I hope Rosefica is getting there too. I... I know things are like, weird? But she matters.
[Eridanus considers Annie's words, her touch gentle despite the rough carapace of her hands. His own used to be just as dangerous—sharpened opal with the lethality of obsidian—but now they were soft again, fleshy with only his nails having grown out into hard talons.]
Do what you must to find happiness, Annie. I sought pyromancy from the witch, but perhaps being made a demon has been more blessing than curse. My guilt no longer plagues me as heavily as it once did, and I no longer hate my appearance as much.
[He sighs and turns away from the counter, to face Annie and slot their fingers together. Though his thoughts travel elsewhere at the mention of a suitor, Eridanus bites down the urge to say something that could ruin the nice atmosphere they have.]
Flirting is good and all, but if he is not willing to annihilate suns for your pleasure, then he is not worth your time.
[He huffs quietly,] as for Rosefica — I have no idea where she is. She has not answered any of my messages, and with the passing fog, even if she somehow perished she should have been back by now. Perhaps she has finally decided to be done with me.
Oh no. I had this idea for a spell and... I'm not sure if I should go for that or something else now.
[ She laughs nervously. ]
I had the idea for a while. Mostly because I liked the idea of grossing someone out as a way of protecting myself. Basically I thought it would be useful to either manifest like, my body weight in scorpions or maybe transform into a pile of scorpions? I'm not sure how either would work but it was a thought.
[ She grabs a wooden spoon to push around the cooking pasta to keep it from sticking together. She rubs her thumb against his hand as she is thinking away. ]
He made me blush. That's all. I wouldn't accept a date from someone like him anyways. I mean, we eat normal humans why would I possibly develop feelings for someone who might be dinner later?
[ That's a little worrying. ]
I... don't know what to say. I hope she's just..... Busy or not lost to that blasted Sea of Stars. I hated that place. It's nightmarish.
[The imagery conjured within Eridanus mind—of Annie so much as reducing herself to nothing more than a creeping pile of scorpions—is enough to break the tension that has pulled his back straight. Bubbling laughter shakes his shoulders, his stern visage cracked with youthful mirth as has plants his free hand against the counter to steady himself from the humor that doubles him over.
His joy ebbs with a weary sigh, and he brings a clawed finger up to wipe at his eye. The smile he casts towards Annie is nothing short of adoring,] I think that's a splendidly devlish idea, my dear.
[His hand drags down is face, and albeit hesitantly, Eridanus pulls the other free from Annie's grasp. He makes for the fridge to spy if that's where she's hidden the wine, and as luck would have it, it's sat chilling right before his eyes. He pulls it from the fridge and retrieves two glasses for them.]
Well, you are a lovely young lady, Annie. I am not so surprised some pathetic human boy would set his amorous gaze upon you. [He pauses as he pours their fill and sets the bottle aside. He walks the second glass for Annie over, and sets it next to where she's minding the pasta.]
We can't really control who we fall for though, so... be mindful — and on that note, I too hope Rosefica is okay. We may have had our... difficulties, but I still care for her deeply. She was my confidant for years, and she is the mother to my daughter still. [Eridanus' smile fades slightly, though he hides it behind a raised glass and the taste of white wine on his lips.] Enough of that though, let me taste that sauce. It smells divine.
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ohmyscream) wrote2020-06-06 01:59 pm
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no subject
Without more of an invite, Eridanus steps past Annie where she allows him, and turns to hang his cloak up on the coat rack beside the door.]
I had wanted my magic back and she makes me a demon — quite the cruel joke. [It's then that he turns bringing his claw up to cup Annie's cheek once more. He doesn't like the melancholy that takes her face, and his distaste shows in the knot that forms between his brows.
His clawed thumb rubs affectionately across her cheekbone.] Don't worry yourself with silly details. What matters is that we are here, now, and that you are feeling better. Now... [He pulls the wrapped box from under his arm. Unlike Annie's, Eridanus' wrapping is done in plain brown paper, without any frivolous ribbons. When she would open it, she would find a woolen dress neatly folded within.] Happy birthday Annie, as belated as it may be.
no subject
Annie scuttles back a bit to give him some room. The wind off the lake is picking up and since it's so hard finding things that are long enough to cover her without getting in the way of her pincers Annie has been low-key chilly since October. ]
You don't-- You're going to laugh.
[ Annie huffs feeling a touch childish but also half leaning into the affection offered. She had been hurting so badly. Still she decides it's best to open the gift. She balances the box across her pincers and uses her deft claws to open the wrapping.
The smile she shoots up at him is brilliant. He had managed to banish some of her lingering dark thoughts. ]
I love it. Thank you so much. I... got you something too. You're going to laugh. Maybe at the timing and not me specifically.
[ She sets the box aside but can't bring herself to put the dress down. The wool fabric looks so nice. She fetches the brightly wrapped package bringing it back over. ]
I even thought I did pretty good with this. I was excited.
no subject
The coat he pulls from the box within is perfectly in line with his tastes. The elegant, sharp cut and style would have certainly gone well with his features; and when Eridanus imagines the thought Annie must have put into it, he can't help the paternal affection that unfurls through his chest.
He knows Annie is picky about her physical affection, but he can't contain the way he sweeps within her personal space in a single fluid motion, and wraps his arms around her shoulders in a tight, squeezy hug.]
Oh, my Annie — I love it. [He pulls back, the coat draped over his arm as he clasps her shoulders between his hands.] And it's nothing a tailor can't fix. A couple of slots in the back for my wings, and I will be able to wear it all winter. Thank you.
no subject
Also the look on Eridanus's face upon seeing Lucius wearing something over the top would also be hysterical. With that decided Annie is resolving to buy an ugly Christmas sweater for Lucius as soon as possible. ]
You do? [ She is suddenly beaming from ear to ear. All four of her sharp fangs are on display when she smiles that widely. Eridanus even gets a rare treat -- Annie snuggles into his side looking so very happy. ]
I was worried you wouldn't enjoy it as much with your.... Your new wings. I just loved the color and cut when I saw it. I knew it was perfect for you.
no subject
[Eridanus keeps an arm around her, enjoying their closeness. For all they have been through recently, there was a part of him that worried their relationship would have been harmed—but it seems as if the very opposite happened, and the thought of them being closer than ever has sweet affection unfurl through Eridanus' breast.]
Oh, you were cooking weren't you? Come, let's relocate to the kitchen, I wouldn't want your dinner to burn because of me.
[It's a good thing Annie doesn't mention the Christmas sweater, Eridanus would be SO upset!]
no subject
[ She forgave him. It wasn't his fault. She only felt bad that she had shut him out during the horrible depression that had hit her. Annie had no idea if he had noticed how poorly she had been dealing with things.
The fact is she doesn't want to ask. She doesn't want to feel so damn needy. ]
I was! I'm trying my hand at a sort of... human Marsala. I was having issues motivating myself to eat. It... It happens sometimes. So I decided to try and be adventurous with my cooking.
[ Annie will buy one to wear with BELLS just to say she can. ]
no subject
[He follows after Annie into her kitchen, where he pulls a chair out from under the raised table-made-island, and hangs his new coat on the back of it.]
Mar...sala? I cannot say this human food exists in Vathea, though the smell is similar to Rim'falen food. Is it a curry?
[Even if the name isn't the same, the cuisine certainly is! Eridanus missed that aromatic, spicy scent that reminds him of food from home. He rounds the island towards Annie, minding her scorpid body as he peers over her shoulder at the simmering pan.]
Perhaps you can teach me how to cook? Everlasting Light knows that Lucius has no skill for it, and sometimes eating meat raw and bloody isn't so appetizing.
no subject
[ Annie finds herself smirking at him. ]
No. It's a kind of mushroom gravy sauce served over chicken with some kind of pasta. It's from a country called Italy.
[ The sauce is starting to bubble over what looks like small steak shaped flanks of human flesh cut to size. It looks good enough. ]
I've eaten raw flesh before. I was so hungry and... angry. I'm trying to learn how to cook still. I can show you what I've learned. A friend even gave me pointers.
no subject
Interesting, and yet it smelled so similar to something we would have in Sel'enial. [He muses aloud,] pasta dishes were not very common in my homeland, that was certainly a more human food.
[He takes a step back, mindful of his overlarge wings when he folds them to his back, and crosses his arms as he watches her. His leans his hip against the counter.]
I'd be happy to learn from you Annie, and it gives me an excuse to come see you more.
no subject
[ Annie doesn't know how to approach this. She doesn't want to scare him by how low she had been. Maybe it's best to gloss that over. ]
Well! Let's just say I'm doing better than I had been.
Humans tend to love carbs. It's a quick and easy way to get calories. In this case I just need it for the sauce... although. I did lose weight I can't spare so I guess I do need the calories to fix that.
[ She hums happily. ]
I'd like cooking with you. I'm looking at getting someone else in here. It... It looks like Coraline didn't get my message. I've been on my own.
[ Not exactly the best for her mental health. ]
no subject
But now, it seems as if she wants to share, and doesn't know how.]
Well, you're sweet, so a roommate won't be too hard for you. [Besides, it's almost time for the next fog, isn't it? New arrivals are bound to come.]
Annie. [He starts, and waits for her gaze to meet his. His smile has faltered slightly, but his expression is still soft, and full of familiar fondness.]
You can talk to me, if you want to. I will always listen. I meant what I said weeks ago — I care for you, deeply.
cw: depression
[ She reaches to rub her face. The food won't burn but she still turns the temperature down just in case. Annie doesn't know how he'll take this. ]
I... I got low after we got back. I had to cover up the bathroom mirror or I would have smashed it open. I just couldn't stand myself.
I didn't even want to get out of bed. I still did for work but I hated every minute of it. It took too much energy to act perky or kind to every person who walked in.
[ She sniffs a bit. ]
If I was a mermaid I might have drowned them just to avoid dealing with them.... or so I could really hide and not have to face anyone. I couldn't... I couldn't convince myself I was worthy of anything. I had to pretty much claw my way back to how I usually am and... It's still hard. I get like this and sometimes I can't shake it. This time I think I'm doing a bit better. But I'm tired.
cw: depression talk, suicide ideation
I understand your feelings, Annie. I have had them, too. [Depression, he knows that's what it's called, but he won't say it aloud.
Eridanus steps towards Annie and takes her hand in his own.]
It's hard, going through those feelings, but you made it. You conquered them, even if for a short time, and I am here with you now — and I will be there for you any time you need me. I will come whenever you call, Annie. No matter what your thoughts tell you, you are not alone with them.
cw: mental health
[ If it is allowed Annie is going to just hug Eridanus. Her face ends up pressed against him while she shuts out the world just for a moment. ]
You're so good to me. I didn't.... I didn't want to be selfish. There was a few days where I might have begged to have you and Lucius around even if I wasn't up for talking. I was basically a mushroom by the fireplace.
I love you both.
Re: cw: mental health
The hug is just as much for her as it is for him, and when Eridanus pulls back, he keeps one arm loosely about her shoulders.]
I love you too, Annie. Lucius does as well, in his own odd way. He'll never say the words, but the way he talks about you, he beams with so much pride. [Eridanus smiles fondly down at her,] because we love you, you're allowed to be selfish, you know. If ever this house feels too big and empty for you, either contact me, or come to Djavulenstad. You are always welcome at our home.
[A pause,] that reminds me, I should set up a ward here, so that I may readily teleport whenever you need me.
no subject
I mean.... He does care. I can see it in how he treats me. You're easier to talk about feelings with.
[ Plus Lucius is not one you can simply pour out feelings to easily. It's like playing chess to make sure he understands it clearly. ]
I... wouldn't say no to you doing that. I think I just need to reach out to some of the newer people. Maybe make sure I get at least one person here.
no subject
But Eridanus lets go of her, just so that the food she was so keen to make doesn't burn, even with the low heat. He returns to leaning against the counter.]
Well, I can't say no to that — I think it would be good for you to have more friends around your age. Hopefully ones at least closer than Lucius and I. We who live well into millennia are good for advice-giving, but not quite the same comradery as another young lady.
[Yes he said lady. Annie knows what he means. Sorry Annie, Eridanus is still pretty traditional in his mentality.]
no subject
I do like her. I hope I didn't like, scare her off. I can admit to being a bit... Dramatic?
[ She carefully stirs the sauce checking on it. Between that and the braised meat Annie thinks it is mostly done. Now to add the pasts to the water that has hit what her new and very useful cook book has called a rolling boil.
She is trying to learn how to cook after all. Research is the key. ]
I even stepped back from my ah, attempts at dating. I don't think I'm well enough to see a guy like that. You can't exactly go out when you're still trying to convince those awful little voices in your head that no, you do in fact look cute.
You don't need to affirm that. I know how I look. It was... It was basically just bad thoughts I couldn't shake.
no subject
[Eridanus glances around the kitchen as he speaks, and in that moment he's a bit sad he hadn't thought ahead to bring a bottle of wine with him. Even if he would have been drinking alone.]
And I promise I won't preach — I had similar feelings about my appearance as a troll. I know many thought it suited me in its own beautiful way, but I could never embrace it fully. I came to loathe that hideous face. I am much happier with this one.
no subject
[ Annie sniffles again. ]
I've been pretty bad lately.
[ Stop that. No more tears. No more wallowing. ]
I did get some wine if you want any. It's not really any good compared to what I'm used to but well, I feel like they don't have any good places to grow the right grapes it feels like. I could be wrong though because I don't really drink wine.
[ It had been fun to buy though. The poor clerk had looked so flustered. ]
I liked some of how you looked. I didn't like the fact you looked a bit sad. It was just... there. In your eyes. You don't look sad now.
no subject
You know, Annie. You don't have to always be so strong, it is not weak to cow beneath your feelings, especially when support is nearby.
[He pushes himself away from the counter and turns away from her.]
Would you like me to pour you a glass of something else? I should have thought ahead to bring something for more than just a present for your birthday. [A pause,] and... thank you, Annie. I don't feel as sad right now, either. It's been months since I've felt so light.
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I just... I'm tired of being brought low. I know I'm not weak. I've overcome so much.
[ She is considering everything. ]
I think perhaps I should decide if I should seek out the spell I had an idea for or... Or ask Mana to help me create a magical artifact that may help me when I need to feel like me.
[ Annie considers the wine and smiles. ]
I'll trust you to pick out the wine. The clerk was ah... Quite taken with my appearance actually.
[ Her face colors a bit unused to being seen as a beautiful young woman like this. ] He was trying to impress me. I don't mind having a glass with my meal.
I hope Rosefica is getting there too. I... I know things are like, weird? But she matters.
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Do what you must to find happiness, Annie. I sought pyromancy from the witch, but perhaps being made a demon has been more blessing than curse. My guilt no longer plagues me as heavily as it once did, and I no longer hate my appearance as much.
[He sighs and turns away from the counter, to face Annie and slot their fingers together. Though his thoughts travel elsewhere at the mention of a suitor, Eridanus bites down the urge to say something that could ruin the nice atmosphere they have.]
Flirting is good and all, but if he is not willing to annihilate suns for your pleasure, then he is not worth your time.
[He huffs quietly,] as for Rosefica — I have no idea where she is. She has not answered any of my messages, and with the passing fog, even if she somehow perished she should have been back by now. Perhaps she has finally decided to be done with me.
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[ She laughs nervously. ]
I had the idea for a while. Mostly because I liked the idea of grossing someone out as a way of protecting myself. Basically I thought it would be useful to either manifest like, my body weight in scorpions or maybe transform into a pile of scorpions? I'm not sure how either would work but it was a thought.
[ She grabs a wooden spoon to push around the cooking pasta to keep it from sticking together. She rubs her thumb against his hand as she is thinking away. ]
He made me blush. That's all. I wouldn't accept a date from someone like him anyways. I mean, we eat normal humans why would I possibly develop feelings for someone who might be dinner later?
[ That's a little worrying. ]
I... don't know what to say. I hope she's just..... Busy or not lost to that blasted Sea of Stars. I hated that place. It's nightmarish.
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His joy ebbs with a weary sigh, and he brings a clawed finger up to wipe at his eye. The smile he casts towards Annie is nothing short of adoring,] I think that's a splendidly devlish idea, my dear.
[His hand drags down is face, and albeit hesitantly, Eridanus pulls the other free from Annie's grasp. He makes for the fridge to spy if that's where she's hidden the wine, and as luck would have it, it's sat chilling right before his eyes. He pulls it from the fridge and retrieves two glasses for them.]
Well, you are a lovely young lady, Annie. I am not so surprised some pathetic human boy would set his amorous gaze upon you. [He pauses as he pours their fill and sets the bottle aside. He walks the second glass for Annie over, and sets it next to where she's minding the pasta.]
We can't really control who we fall for though, so... be mindful — and on that note, I too hope Rosefica is okay. We may have had our... difficulties, but I still care for her deeply. She was my confidant for years, and she is the mother to my daughter still. [Eridanus' smile fades slightly, though he hides it behind a raised glass and the taste of white wine on his lips.] Enough of that though, let me taste that sauce. It smells divine.
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